Exclusive: Woman who dated Graham Platner says he sexually assaulted her

[hlthe2b]

25. I have had qualms (expressed here) from the first, but honestly, if I had been sitting by Molly Jong Fast

on that MSNOW panel when it was announced as breaking news, I would have been sorely pressed not to pop her. Uggh. She automatically convicted him, concluded he should never have been considered as a candidate, and within seconds of this breaking news, had all but sentenced him. For everyone else just trying to absorb the story and collect their thoughts, it should have been a jarring kneejerk reaction. It was certainly ugly as hell to me, even though I will express some similar thoughts here now. The difference is that I'm willing to think through the accusation, the story, the evidence where possible, and the implications over some time. That she would not is just disgusting.

So, again, I have admittedly had bad feelings about Platner from the first, but given the RW identity of his early (main) accuser and his clear past issues with temper and alcohol, it was at least conceivable this was not the campaign-ending type of accusation it appeared at first glance.

So, now a more specific accusation. I don't know all the full details, but her complaint appears quite plausible and she does not appear to be politically motivated--at least on first glance. What I don't like about her accusations are the timing, some of the details of the incident that at least COULD be less than clear in terms of unquestionable (fully nonconsensual sex) and thus rape, and as with many of these incidents that no action was taken to formalize or ensure that police investigate/prosecute based on the accusations, a difficulty in establishing facts. There can be many reasonable explanations for not doing so and I acknowledge that does not disprove anything. She has indicated there are some contemporaneous discussions with one or more around her at the time. That is certainly important.

So, here we are. Where I thought we probably were months ago and worried that we would be soon thereafter.

I am a feminist and I believe strongly in empowering women to take action and be supported when sexual assault (or repeated harassment)) occurs. But, I don't automatically suggest that these incidents are always credible or verifiable. Women can and do lie too, but in this case, I fear that may not be the case. Alcohol has been a repeated issue in his past. So, too his inability to control his anger and intentions. The two can be a really dangerous combination.

I am as upset as any with this news. But even 90 minutes later, I still want to tear into Molly Jong Fast for her on-air immediate reaction.