Key facts
- Tara Reade claims her experience with The New York Times mirrors that of Graham Platner's ex-girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield.
- Fifield criticized the Times' reporting on Platner, alleging it softened allegations and omitted corroborating sources.
- Reade accused Times reporter Lisa Lerer of similar tactics in covering her accusations against Joe Biden.
- Reade stated that Lerer assured her of a broader story including other women's accusations against Biden.
- The New York Times defended its reporting on Platner, stating it accurately presented accounts from women in relationships with him.
Tara Reade, who accused Joe Biden of sexual assault, stated that her experience with The New York Times mirrors that of Lyndsey Fifield, an ex-girlfriend of Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner. Fifield, who spoke to the Times about her relationship with Platner, criticized the newspaper's report, questioning why it focused on her and omitted other women's accusations or corroborating sources. Reade drew parallels to her own experience in 2020, where she alleged that Times reporter Lisa Lerer, who covered her claims against Biden, assured her of a broader story that did not fully materialize and allegedly discouraged her from speaking to other journalists. Reade also noted that the Times' reporting on Fifield's professional history was extensive, similar to how Lerer reportedly examined Reade's background. The New York Times defended its reporting, asserting that the story accurately presented the accounts provided by the women and stood by its coverage.