In early June, the New York Times published an article about Senate candidate Graham Platner's treatment of women he dated, prompting disappointment from the main source, Lyndsey Fifield. She called the story a "gift to the Platner campaign" because its headline described his behavior as "unsettling," a term she considered too mild given her allegations that Platner grabbed her shoulders hard enough to leave marks, yanked her out of a cab, and twisted her arm behind her back. Platner denied any violence, and the Times noted they could not independently corroborate Fifield's account.
Initial Reaction and Primary Victory
Despite the article, some labeled Fifield's account a politically motivated smear, emphasizing her work for conservative groups. Platner won the Democratic primary with support from progressives like Bernie Sanders. He appeared ready to challenge Republican incumbent Susan Collins in November.
Subsequent Allegations and Campaign Collapse
Politico then published a story in which another woman, Jenny Racicot, alleged Platner forced her into sex. Platner denied it. CNN interviewed Racicot, and the Washington Post reported Fifield's claims that Platner removed condoms without consent. Within days, Platner ended his campaign.
Journalistic Performance
Margaret Sullivan argues that while timing and execution were imperfect, journalists succeeded in revealing the truth. Betsy Morais of Columbia Journalism Review noted the difficulty of reporting on sexual violence. The Times defended their timing and verification. Sullivan concludes that journalism's "first rough draft of history" is still being written in this case.
