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Platner ripped cheaters as ‘garbage’ in unearthed posts before his own early-marriage sexting scandal
Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner repeatedly criticized a lawmaker on Reddit for cheating on his wife years before his campaign confirmed he sent sexually explicit messages to women early in his marriage.
On four occasions between 2018 and 2019, Platner claimed that, while he was working as a bartender in D.C., former GOP Rep. Duncan Hunter had confided in him that he was sleeping with women who were not his wife. Platner called Hunter a "real piece of sh-t" and a "garbage person" because of that.
Platner himself, however, sent sexually explicit messages to women who were not his wife early in his marriage, his campaign confirmed. The Senate candidate also maintained an account on the messenger app Kik, where his profile image was a picture of him topless wearing nothing but a towel.
HOW GRAHAM PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN UNRAVELED: FROM REDDIT POSTS TO RAPE ALLEGATION
The sexually explicit messages were first revealed by Genevieve McDonald, Platner’s former political director, who said that Platner’s wife had told her that he had exchanged sexual messages with up to 12 women. The Platner campaign, however, countered that he had only been communicating with as many as six women, and that their conversations were not ongoing.
"I confided deeply personal details about my marriage to someone I considered a friend. In the months since, I have had to watch as she spread malicious gossip to anyone who would take her call," Platner’s wife said in the statement. "I trusted this person with the most private chapter of our lives — the early days of our marriage before any campaign was on our mind — and I am deeply hurt by her betrayal and the invasion of our privacy."
PLATNER IN THE HOT SEAT AS MAINE VOTERS RIP HIS 'HORRIBLE' COMMENTS AMID REDDIT SCANDAL
Back in 2019, Platner, who married his wife in 2023, had harsh language to describe Hunter’s alleged extramarital conduct.
"Real piece of sh-t," Platner wrote of Hunter in a December 2019 post. "Used to come into a DC bar I worked at, get wasted and brag about all the chicks he was slaying who weren’t his wife. I’ve got a pretty flexible moral compass when it comes to those things, but he was just the epitome of the frat bro officer douchebag."
PLATNER CAMPAIGN PUTTING 'THUMB ON SCALE' TO INFLUENCE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT, MAINE DEM ALLEGES
In another post, Platner called Hunter a "garbage person" who "loved to brag about all the women he was f-cking who weren’t his wife."
He also criticized Hunter for heavy drinking, a problem one of Platner’s ex-girlfriends alleges that he faced as well.
Hunter was indicted in 2018 on charges that he converted more than $250,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses and falsified campaign finance records. Prosecutors later alleged that some of Hunter’s campaign spending was tied to extramarital affairs. He pleaded guilty in 2020 and was sentenced to 11 months in prison, but avoided serving his sentence after President Donald Trump pardoned him later that year.
Platner, who has since been accused of rape by a different ex-girlfriend – an allegation he denies – is facing calls to drop out of the Maine Senate race as major Democrats rescind their endorsement of him. Democrats have until July 13 to replace him with another candidate, a fact Platner is reportedly using as leverage to name a successor.
The Platner campaign did not respond to a request for comment when reached by Fox News Digital on Wednesday.
Trump admin uncovers 7,100% surge in Medicare transplant claims, says anti-fraud crackdown blocked millions
FIRST ON FOX: The Trump administration revealed new figures that show a drastic 7,100% spike in Medicare claims for tissue and organ transplants in just six years as the task force led by Vice President JD Vance continues to crack down on fraud across the country.
The staggering increase in claims occurred between 2019 and 2025, surging from $200 million to $14.4 billion, prompting the anti-fraud task force and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to identify potentially fraudulent claims and deny 96% of claims made since March.
The CMS, which is led by Administrator Mehmet Oz, identified 4,200 suspicious claims for tissue and organ transplants, known as allografts, totaling $224 million in charges through May of this year.
DR OZ WARNS MEDICARE SCAMMERS ARE STEALING BILLIONS — AND YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION COULD BE NEXT
The agency also found alleged fraudulent claims for Durable Medical Equipment (DME), which includes wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds and other essential equipment. The agency says that payments have been suspended to 102 suppliers and revoked billing privileges for an additional 725 suppliers.
"In just six months, the task force has effectively wiped out Durable Medical Equipment fraud in America," a spokesperson for Vance’s office told Fox News Digital. "After the Vice President and Dr. Oz announced a moratorium on new DME companies, paired with aggressive enforcement actions by DOJ and HHS, this kind of fraud has effectively ended."
The suppliers who were suspected of fraud and had payments suspended represented 8.6% of all Medicare-funded Durable Medical Equipment in 2025.
DR OZ SAYS 800 HOSPICE PROVIDERS SUSPENDED IN CALIFORNIA OVER ALLEGED $1B MEDICARE FRAUD SCHEME
Fox News Digital learned from sources at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that fraud was identified for suppliers who filed claims for equipment that was not necessary or ordered, filed claims for equipment more complex or expensive than ordered and claims for equipment that was never delivered.
"Thanks to the whole-of-government approach spearheaded by the White House Anti-Fraud Task Force, we stopped nearly $220 million in fraudulent skin substitute claims and suspended or revoked billing privileges for over 800 DME suppliers," Oz told Fox News Digital in a statement. "We are keeping our promise to the American people: we will root out corruption, protect vulnerable patients, and hold every bad actor accountable."
Vance is scheduled to join Oz at a news conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, highlighting the efforts made by the anti-fraud task force.
OPINION: I'M OHIO'S STATE AUDITOR — MEDICAID FRAUD IS NOT JUST A WASHINGTON PROBLEM
In May, the Justice Department charged 15 individuals in Minnesota, finding more than $90 million in alleged fraudulent claims tied to multiple state-funded assistance programs.
The task force and the DOJ announced a massive takedown of two of the largest Medicaid fraud cases in Minnesota state history, as well as the largest autism fraud scheme ever charged by the federal government," Vance said in a message on X at the time. "Our message is simple: if you’re committing fraud, we will find you, and we won’t rest until justice is served."
President Donald Trump established the task force through an executive order in May. He appointed Vance to lead the task force, and a number of agencies and departments have been involved in the effort to crack down on fraud across the country.
"Vice President JD Vance and Republicans are doing a great job hunting down Fraud in the various States," Trump posted on Truth Social in June. "Billions of Dollars is being found, and we've just started!"
WATCH: Americans rip 'disgusting' Dems forced to split with Platner amid rape allegation
America 250 State Fair attendees questioned why Democrats waited until a rape allegation emerged to abandon U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, arguing the party ignored a string of earlier controversies before finally calling on the Maine candidate to drop out.
"The Democratic Party has a lifespan that's not much longer," Nancy from Tennessee told Fox News Digital.
"They realize — party's sinking, and one of the ways to keep it from sinking is get the dead weight off the ship, and he is a piece of dead weight," she added.
After a woman Platner previously dated, Jenny Racicot, accused the Democrat of rape in two bombshell Monday reports, members of the party finally began to rescind their support for the progressive Senate candidate from Maine.
Bob from Maryland speculated of Democrats, "I think they're so worried about not getting the House or Senate back, or the presidency, they'd do anything."
Racicot told CNN and Politico about her allegation of rape against Platner. She claims that in 2021 he trespassed into her home intoxicated and forced himself on her — despite her repeatedly demanding he stop.
If that bombshell allegation wasn't enough, within 24 hours of the reports becoming public, the Washington Post published Lyndsey Fifield's accusations that Platner, whom she also dated, would remove condoms during sex in a "sneaky way."
Racicot's allegation was the tipping point for prominent Democrats who stuck by Platner through months of controversy and allegations surfacing during his campaign for U.S. Senate.
From a Nazi-linked tattoo, to abusive partner allegations, to a slew of lewd Reddit posts ranging from comments about masturbating in portable toilets to mocking a wounded U.S. soldier — this appeared to be the final straw for the party after a long-winded campaign full of scandals.
PLATNER'S LATEST ACCUSER CLAIMS THE DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE 'ABSOLUTELY' RAPED HER
"What happened to believe all women?" Karen from Maryland said, pushing back on a phrase often used by Democrats when it comes to allegations of sexual misconduct. "It's disgusting how they let this guy go so long."
She continued, "It just makes you sick to your stomach."
"This latest scandal should sink him," Rory from North Carolina predicted. "He should not be eligible to be in Congress based on the things in the past, and especially this current lady coming out against him."
Sandy from Virginia argued Platner's rise reflected broader voter frustration with the political establishment.
"We're seeing people rebelling against what they're seeing happening in their lives right now," Sandy told Fox News Digital. "And so they're looking for something else. And a lot of the things he said resonated with the people in Maine."
Another attendee argued that "normal Democrats" will not support Platner and the other far-left progressive candidates running for Congress in the upcoming election.
"With the rise of the DSA, coupled with him, the normal Democrats simply are not going to tolerate it," Nancy said. "Everybody's had it."
TOP DEMOCRATIC SENATE HOPEFULS TURN ON PLATNER AFTER BOMBSHELL RAPE ALLEGATION
Nearly every attendee Fox News Digital interviewed at the Great American State Fair amid the fallout of the rape allegation said Platner should drop out, with one Republican voter saying he'd rather see the candidate remain in the race because it would make Democrats easier to beat.
"In my opinion, I think he should stay in the race," Fred from Texas said. "It’ll be easier for us to beat him."
Democrats' calls for Platner to withdraw come days before Maine's July 13 deadline for replacing him on the general election ballot in November. If he exits before 5 p.m. on Sunday, state Democrats would have until July 27 to choose a replacement.
Platner's campaign said Monday he is "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward."
Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' enters rare Billboard territory after 12 weeks ruling the Hot 100
Ella Langley can't stop cooking the charts.
The "Nicotine" singer isn't just a massive hit with OutKick readers. She's become the most famous in the country music world, and probably a top three or four star overall.
Her rise over the past couple years has been nothing short of spectacular to watch unfold. Now, in 2026 she's taking things to a new level, including dominating the ACMs.
Langley's generational run isn't slowing down.
COUNTRY MUSIC STAR CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH SPICY SWIMSUIT PHOTO
Billboard announced this week that Langley mega-hit "Choosin' Texas" (a hit with the Ella Fellas) has stayed at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 straight weeks.
Only 25 other songs have pulled off the accomplishment dating back to 1958, and only four songs have a longer run in the number one spot.
COUNTRY SUPERSTAR ELLA LANGLEY PULLS OFF INCREDIBLE CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENT ON THE MUSIC CHARTS
It goes to show that Langley isn't just dominating at an absurd level, but she's here to stay.
Langley doesn't just make great music. She also shares an incredibly close connection with her fans, in large part due to how authentic and open she is.
For example, she regularly goes viral with comments about her Christian faith, including the comments below:
It's going to be a lot of fun to watch Langley's rise continue. She's in for a big second half of 2026. Let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.
Apple AI security update proves hackers move fast
A security update rarely feels dramatic. You see the alert, promise yourself you will install it later and then go right back to whatever you were doing. This time, Apple is giving you a stronger reason to pay attention.
Apple released iOS 26.5.2, iPadOS 26.5.2 and macOS Tahoe 26.5.2 on June 29, 2026. The updates include security fixes for vulnerabilities tied to the kernel, WebKit and WebRTC. Apple says these fixes were first made available through the iOS 26.6, iPadOS 26.6 and macOS Tahoe 26.6 betas before being pushed out early to everyone.
That is the part that should make you pause. Apple usually rolls many security fixes into larger software updates. This time, the company moved faster.
AI IS NOW POWERING CYBERATTACKS, MICROSOFT WARNS
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Apple reportedly accelerated the updates because artificial intelligence can help speed the creation of malicious hacking tools. Once a fix appears in a beta, attackers may be able to study it, reverse-engineer the weakness and move faster than before.
Apple said there was no evidence that the newly patched vulnerabilities had been exploited. Still, the company wanted to shrink the time between when fixes were first visible and when they reached your devices.
That is a major shift. It suggests Apple sees AI as a force that changes the timing of security. A flaw that once gave defenders more breathing room may now become a race.
Apple's iOS 26.5.2 and iPadOS 26.5.2 notes list fixes for iPhone 11 and later, along with several supported iPad models. The security content includes kernel vulnerabilities that could let an app crash the system, corrupt kernel memory or leak sensitive kernel state.
The update also fixes multiple WebKit issues. WebKit powers Safari and web content inside many apps. Some of these flaws involved malicious web content that could lead to crashes, memory corruption, data leaks or sandbox escapes.
Apple also fixed WebRTC issues that could be triggered by malicious web content and lead to Safari or process crashes.
For Mac, Apple lists macOS Tahoe 26.5.2 as the current release. If your Mac runs macOS Sonoma or macOS Sequoia, Apple also lists Safari 26.5.2 as a June 29, 2026, security release.
AI can help legitimate researchers find bugs faster. That is good when the work leads to stronger software and responsible disclosure. However, the same general capability can also help bad actors move faster. A criminal does not need to understand every line of code if an AI tool can help summarize a patch, compare software changes or suggest where a weakness may be hiding.
That is why Apple's move is important. It shows that big tech companies may need to release security fixes sooner and more often, even when those updates do not include flashy new features. The wider AI world adds pressure here. Frontier AI companies have released or tested systems with stronger coding and cybersecurity capabilities. Some models are available only through limited previews, approved access or extra safeguards because of their potential cyber use.
Similar efforts are also emerging outside the United States. Several international AI labs and security companies now promote models designed to find vulnerabilities, analyze code and assist cyber defense. The takeaway for you isn’t that AI is automatically bad. The real point is speed. Security teams, attackers and AI tools are now moving on a shorter clock.
Before you update, plug in your device and connect to Wi-Fi. You may also want to back up your iPhone or iPad first.
Then do this: Open Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install.
After the update finishes, go back to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. Make sure automatic updates are turned on. Apple also lets your device automatically install system file updates that improve security without changing the full software version. If you do not see the update right away, check again later. Apple releases updates in stages, and your device also needs enough battery and storage.
On a Mac, start with a backup. Then click the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update . Choose Update Now if macOS Tahoe 26.5.2 appears.
Next, check your background update settings. On macOS Tahoe 26 or later, go to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update . Click the More Info button next to Automatic Updates and make sure Install system data files and security updates is turned on.
If your Mac runs Sonoma or Sequoia, look for Safari 26.5.2 in Software Update as well. That Safari update may be the protection your Mac needs if you are not on Tahoe.
BEWARE OF HACKERS SHOWING UP PRETENDING TO BE IT
You may see more security updates that feel sudden or small. That can be annoying, especially when you are busy or your device needs to restart.
Still, these updates are becoming more important. Apple is reacting to a world where AI can help shorten the time between a public fix and a possible attack.
So, when your iPhone, iPad or Mac asks you to update, do not treat it like background noise. The update may be closing a door someone else is already trying to find.
Installing the Apple AI security update is the best first move. After that, tighten a few habits that make attacks harder.
Your operating system is only part of the security picture. Outdated apps can still create risk, especially if they handle messages, web links, photos, files or account logins. Open the App Store and install available updates regularly.
Be careful with links in texts, emails and social media messages. WebKit and browser flaws are a reminder that malicious web content can be part of an attack. When in doubt, open the official app or website yourself instead of tapping a link.
Use strong, unique passwords for every account and store them in a password manager. Then turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. If one password gets exposed, you do not want it opening the door to your email, bank or Apple account.
Use strong antivirus protection on your Mac and other connected devices. It can help catch malicious files, phishing attempts and suspicious activity before they do damage. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.
Back up your iPhone, iPad and Mac before problems hit. A recent backup can help you recover faster if an update fails, your device gets stolen or malware locks you out of important files. CyberGuy's guide to backing up your devices walks you through ways to protect your files using cloud storage, an external drive or both.
Use a personal data removal service to reduce how much of your personal information is floating around online. Data brokers and people-search sites can expose your name, address, phone number and relatives. Scammers can use those details to make phishing messages feel more believable. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.
Apple's early security release shows how fast the cyber threat landscape is changing. The company says there is no evidence these newly patched flaws were exploited, but it still moved the fixes out before the wider 26.6 release. That tells me the old habit of waiting weeks to update is getting riskier. AI can help defenders, but it can also help criminals study weaknesses faster. My advice is direct: update your Apple devices now, turn on automatic security updates and stop putting off patches that protect the phone and computer you use every day.
Do you think AI will make your devices safer because companies can find flaws faster, or more vulnerable because hackers can move faster too? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Colorado quarterback Julian Lewis reveals he wasn't reading defenses for majority of 2025 season
With Big 12 Media Days in full swing in Frisco, Texas, members of the media are loading up on content to help keep fans satiated during these final weeks before the start of the 2026 season.
One program in particular that never disappoints in that regard is the Colorado Buffaloes, and with a head coach as bombastic as Deion Sanders, it's easy to see why.
But oddly enough, it wasn't Neon Deion who provided the most intriguing quote of the afternoon on Tuesday.
DEION SANDERS DECLARES HE'S CANCER-FREE, ADDRESSES INCONTINENCE AHEAD OF COLORADO FOOTBALL SEASON
That honor went to Colorado quarterback Julian "JuJu" Lewis.
The former five-star signal caller from Georgia went through a long and winding recruiting process before ending up in Boulder for the 2025 season, and while most of his freshman year saw him backing up starter Kaidon Salter, Lewis did see some action in a handful of games.
The results were mixed, with a 4:0 touchdown-to-interception ratio highlighting the good while an 0-2 record and 55% completion percentage showing plenty of room for growth.
WOULD YOU WANT YOUR COLLEGE FOOTBALL COACH POSING FOR VANITY FAIR?
What was eyebrow-raising, though, was Lewis' response to what he's looking to improve on the most from last season to this one.
"I'm actually looking at the defenses now," Lewis said. "Last year we (weren't) really looking at defenses much, just kind of high school free-balling, just out there playing football."
There's a good chance he didn't actually mean that they weren't studying defenses in the film room at Colorado.
After all, Lewis was a true freshman who wasn't even old enough to vote at the start of last season, so it's possible he just meant that he was a little overwhelmed at times on the field.
That's not how large swathes of the internet interpreted his answer, though, and in the modern media age of sports, perception is often reality.
If Lewis meant what he said, that's a horrible look for Coach Prime and the Colorado staff as a whole.
The Buffaloes went 3-9 last year, regressing from their nine-win season in 2024 after losing talented players like Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, and Jimmy Horn Jr.
In fairness, Deion did bring in a new offensive coordinator in Brennan Marion, whom many believe is one of the brightest offensive minds in the sport thanks to his innovative "Go-Go" scheme during his time at UNLV, so perhaps the problem has been addressed.
Only time will tell, but for a program that puts as much emphasis on flash, sizzle, and presentation as Prime's Buffaloes do, this is a damning quote that demonstrates a lack of preparation.
Again, this quote could have been entirely misconstrued, but sometimes the results on the field speak for themselves.
It will be interesting to see what a year of preparation as well as the partnership with Marion does for Lewis' development.
He has all the tools, now he just needs to put it together.
Karmelo Anthony blasts judge in new filing over handling of murder trial
Karmelo Anthony's new legal team is accusing the judge who presided over his murder trial of bias and arguing courtroom restrictions violated his constitutional right to a public trial in a pair of post-conviction motions seeking to overturn his conviction.
According to court filings reviewed by FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth, Anthony's defense team asks that Collin County Judge John Roach recuse himself from all remaining post-trial proceedings while also requesting a new trial based on what the defense describes as constitutional and legal errors during Anthony's prosecution.
Anthony, 19, was convicted of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf after fatally stabbing him during an altercation at a Frisco track meet. A Collin County jury sentenced him to 35 years in prison.
STEPHEN A SMITH SAYS 'KARMELO ANTHONY MURDERED AUSTIN METCALF'
The motions are the first major filings by Anthony's new legal team, led by attorney Russell Wilson, who previously agreed to represent Anthony pro bono during the appeals process.
Fox News Digital reached out to Wilson's office for comment. A representative said Wilson is not commenting on the case at this time.
In a news release obtained by FOX 4, the defense said it filed a verified motion to recuse Roach, arguing his public comments following the trial created the appearance that he could not impartially rule on Anthony's post-trial motions.
AUSTIN METCALF'S FATHER ACCUSES MEDIA PUNDITS OF TRYING TO MONETIZE HIS SON'S DEATH 'FOR CLICKS'
According to the motion, Roach told reporters after the verdict that the jury "got it right" and defended several of his rulings during the trial, including his decision to dismiss three Black prospective jurors and his handling of courtroom access.
The defense argues those statements create an appearance that the judge cannot fairly consider Anthony's request for a new trial.
The accompanying 63-page motion for a new trial focuses on alleged constitutional violations rather than Anthony's guilt or innocence.
Among its central claims, the defense argues Anthony's Sixth Amendment right to a public trial was violated because cameras were barred from the courtroom and only 27 seats were available to members of the public during the proceedings.
The attorneys also argue prosecutors failed to honor an off-the-record evidentiary agreement regarding character and extraneous-act evidence, forcing Anthony to choose between testifying and exposing himself to prejudicial information.
The motion further challenges the jury instructions, claiming they made it more difficult for jurors to fully consider Anthony's self-defense argument.
The defense contends the cumulative effect of those alleged errors deprived Anthony of a fair trial and warrants a new one.
Following the trial, Roach defended his decision to prohibit cameras from the courtroom, telling Fox News at the time, the restrictions were intended to protect the judicial process, witnesses and jurors while promising greater transparency after the proceedings concluded.
Under Texas law, Roach is expected to refer the recusal motion to a regional administrative judge, who will decide whether a hearing on the request is necessary.
Fox News Digital requested copies of the filings from the Collin County Deputy County Administrator and separately sought comment from Roach's office. Neither immediately responded.
Joy Behar cornered by 'The View' producer on frustration with Trump supporters amid Platner scandal
"The View" co-host Joy Behar was cornered by the show's producer, Brian Teta, on Tuesday over her frustration with voters who supported President Donald Trump amid Graham Platner's latest scandal as he faces mounting calls to exit the race.
Behar brought up the late Democratic Sen. Ted Kennedy during the "Behind the Table" podcast, hosted by Teta, and said, "Teddy Kennedy had that had that whole thing with Chappaquiddick, and yet people still wanted him in Congress. Why? Because he voted correctly."
"Unfortunately, this is the world we live in," she added.
'THE VIEW' EASED UP ON POLITICAL CANDIDATE BOOKINGS AMID FCC INQUIRY, REPORT SAYS
Teta pushed back, saying, "Just to be fair about it though, because for years on this show, you and others have said, you were frustrated with people that turned a blind eye to things that you think that Donald Trump did wrong."
Behar acknowledged her feelings toward Trump voters, as Teta noted people voted for him anyway.
"And that made you crazy, so by that context, because people were voting for him because they wanted the Supreme Court to go a separate way, or they wanted tax cuts," he said.
Behar noted that it was a "difficult situation."
During a conversation on "The View" in 2016, Behar made a similar point, using Kennedy as an example as the co-hosts at the time discussed former President Bill Clinton.
"Chappaquiddick," she said. "I mean, a girl drowns and he abandons her and she drowned and women still voted for Teddy Kennedy. Why? Because he voted for women's rights. That's why. That's the bottom line of it in my opinion. I mean, I don't like either one of them, to tell you the truth, Teddy or Bill. They're both dogs as far as I'm concerned. But I still will vote for Bill Clinton because he votes in my favor."
As the Platner controversy unfolded, co-host Sunny Hostin stood by her initial position that she would support Platner over Collins because she believed that the country was in an existential crisis and Democrats needed to take back the Senate.
She said she would support him in June despite calling him a racist, a homophobe and an antisemite.
During the show on Tuesday, Alyssa Farah Griffin confronted Hostin on whether or not she would still feel comfortable voting for Platner. Co-host Sara Haines said people just voting for him or supporting him due to his party affiliation were the problem.
Hostin then said she was the problem.
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"Because I was one of those people and I said it, if I lived in Maine I would have, you know, plugged my nose and would have voted for him anyway. I think we are in a time of existential crisis in this country and I think Republicans fall in line. They don’t fall in love. Democrats want to fall in love and not fall in line. The Republican Party, the bar is so very low, I can’t believe that they want to try to assume the moral high ground of the Republican Party," she said.
Hostin cited the confirmation of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and controversies surrounding his confirmation to his Cabinet position.
She argued members of the GOP could not take the moral high ground on the issue of Platner, but never answered Griffin's question about whether she felt comfortable voting for him.
Hostin eventually said that Platner should exit the race, in agreement with all the co-hosts.
MARK PENN: Democrats ignored every warning sign in Graham Platner’s Senate disaster
Federalist No. 62, written by James Madison, outlines the nature of the Senate and the qualifications of senators — they were older, more removed from politics, with six-year staggered terms, and meant to cool the hot-tempered passions of the House of Representatives. Guess Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner and the party organizers didn’t read that one.
They are recruiting senators with exactly the opposite qualifications — inexperienced, reckless, flamboyant and unstable. Platner was unqualified from Day One — he had zero life accomplishments of any note, his political viewpoints were extreme, and he had no understanding of the complex issues that a senator would need to be effective. No matter — Democratic leaders showered him with support as a new kind of TikTok Democrat.
And that is typically what the left is recruiting and selling to its voters.
HOW GRAHAM PLATNER'S CAMPAIGN UNRAVELED: FROM REDDIT POSTS TO RAPE ALLEGATION
Since no responsible, mature, experienced candidate would be for far-left ideas like socialism, open borders and abolishing prisons, they need to recruit completely inexperienced cutouts like New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who smile, speak forcefully and stir the passions of young voters with radical ideas on social media.
The Platner nomination fits this new mold. Brash, willing to say anything, completely unqualified. It’s the opposite of how the founders conceived of senators, but exactly what the left wants to install into the Senate so they can be the useful idiots they need elected by uninformed voters. But right at the beginning, there were questions, beginning with a Nazi tattoo.
Along with the tattoo were extreme anti-Israel views, which by themselves would not be antisemitic, but when combined with the tattoo, strongly suggested views that verged on antisemitism. Yet they seemed almost to be considered qualifying rather than disqualifying. The enthusiasm for Platner among Democratic primary voters was so strong that the sitting, experienced governor of the state ended her own campaign.
Antisemitism is anti-Americanism, and no tent of any party should be big enough to make room for it — candidates like Graham Platner should be disqualified right at the beginning.
Sporting a Nazi tattoo, along with all the online comments, from backing communism to demeaning women, should have been enough for Democratic leaders to just say no to this candidacy from the beginning, but the left-wing Democratic primary machine these days is powerful enough to nominate virtually anyone for any position and get the rest of the peanut gallery to go along and provide cover.
In contrast to Platner, Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins is the epitome of what it should mean to be a senator — she is thoughtful, experienced, works hard on behalf of her state, and has frequently stood up against her party on major votes. She was being depicted by the Democrats as a conservative thug, dismissing her real record.
The rest of the story is history now — The New York Times ran an "exposé" about Platner’s issues with women in a manner that seemed to give him a pass and downplay the accusations, which came from a Republican-leaning woman. Democrats yawned at it all until the rape allegation from a Democrat came out in the last few days, finally causing the 40 major Democratic endorsers to back off the Nazi-tattooed candidate.
But it is a disgrace for the Democratic Party that it ever endorsed someone with this kind of obvious bad character and lack of qualifications for one of the most important offices in the nation.
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It calls into question all of their endorsements and the process of selecting candidates who not only can get votes, but who have the qualities envisioned for senators.
Failing to put up qualified candidates eventually will hollow out the whole institution of the Senate and turn it into the partisan chamber the founders hoped to avoid.
Donald Trump Jr says evidence in Tyler Robinson preliminary hearing 'more cut and dry' than he thought
Donald Trump Jr. said Tuesday that evidence presented during the preliminary hearing for the man accused of assassinating Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was "much more cut and dry" than he expected, saying newly released surveillance video and witness testimony left little doubt in his mind about the prosecution's case.
"Once this hard evidence was laid out to me in a courtroom before my very eyes, [and] seeing the reaction of the defense, this thing is much more cut and dry than I would have ever even imagined," Trump Jr. told "America's Newsroom."
The president's eldest son expressed confidence that suspect Tyler Robinson will be found guilty once the case has concluded, saying the outcome is "very clear."
Robinson's preliminary hearing began Monday and is expected to take all week.
Prosecutors must establish probable cause in order for the judge to green-light the path to trial on a slew of charges, including aggravated murder, which carries the potential death penalty.
Robinson is accused of fatally shooting the 31-year-old Kirk during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 last year.
Trump Jr. attended the hearing to show support for Kirk's legacy as well as Kirk's widow, Erika, and his parents.
He told Fox News he wanted to see the evidence firsthand after declining to publicly weigh in on speculation surrounding the case.
"It was just important to be there. It's a legacy that really needs to be preserved," he said.
"The impact that Charlie had on so many Americans, on so many youth, is, frankly, generational. It could have been so much more, but it was important to be there and to see the actual facts laid out."
Fox News' Michael Ruiz and Olivianna Calmes contributed to this report.