Too Little, Too Late: Texas Rep. Van Duyne Condemns Democrats for Abandoning Plattner

Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas, argued Tuesday in an interview that Democrats only turned against Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after concluding he could no longer win despite earlier allegations against him.

Van Duyne criticized Democratic Party leaders who had previously defended Platner, saying they dismissed concerns ranging from “the Nazi tattoos” and “the fact that he admitted having rape fantasies” to “his social media accounts, basically child predator sites” and “the fact that he’s a self-avowed communist.”

“They were like, ‘It doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter. As long as this guy can win, we’re just going to keep doubling down on his support,’” she said.

“Finally … the equation has changed. He’s no longer electable,” Van Duyne added.

She compared the situation to former President Joe Biden, stating that Democrats “are going to continue to support somebody until they know that he can’t win.”

“This is what Democrats do,” said Van Duyne, adding, “This is not about character. This is about control. This is about power.”

“They thought he could win, and they were willing to put up with almost everything until there was no way that he could win,” she explained.

After noting that the Maine Democratic Party and several prominent Democrats, including Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., had called on Platner to withdraw following new allegations, Van Duyne predicted party leaders would ultimately force him from the race.

“I think you’re going to see the same thing for Platner,” she said.

Van Duyne also criticized Democrats and media outlets for their handling of earlier allegations, arguing that “they completely blasted and blew off a very credible woman” because “they considered her a conservative, a Republican, and they didn’t give her any credibility.”

“How many voices, how many women have to speak and talk about the atrocities that this guy has committed before they start listening?” she asked. “Up until now, they have completely silenced the women who have stepped forward.”

While welcoming Democrats’ reversal, Van Duyne said, “I’m glad to see the about-face, but it’s a little bit too little, too late.”

She noted that “[Vermont independent Sen.] Bernie Sanders is not calling for him to drop out,” and added, “We’ll see.”