Context:

Rep. Ro Khanna expressed regret over his endorsement of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, who subsequently dropped out amid a string of controversies, including a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol and online posts blaming sexual assault survivors. He noted that his line had always been sexual assault or sexual violence, and he was the first to withdraw once that issue surfaced, while acknowledging that he got the call wrong and emphasizing the need to recognize early signs of potential domestic violence. Khanna attributed the setback to broader Democratic scrutiny and said he accepts accountability for mistakes, signaling a more cautious approach to endorsements moving forward. The conversation occurred on NBC’s Meet the Press, framing a broader examination of endorsement risk and party responses.

Dive Deeper:

• Platner, a now-former Maine U.S. Senate candidate, dropped out amid multiple controversies that Khanna had previously defended through endorsements.

• Controversies included a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol and online posts that blamed survivors of sexual assault, with The New York Times later publishing allegations from ex-girlfriends describing patterns of emotional abuse and aggressive behavior, which Platner denies.

• Khanna said the line he would not tolerate was sexual assault or sexual violence, and he was the first to withdraw his endorsement once that issue emerged.

• He admitted, 'I got that call wrong,' and suggested there is a need for self-reflection and earlier recognition of signs that someone may engage in domestic violence.

• Khanna cited broader Democratic scrutiny as part of the context, noting figures like Senator Warren and implying a party-wide reevaluation of endorsements, while affirming he takes accountability for his decisions.