NEW YORK – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) took aim at Maine Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner during an appearance on Saturday in America with Kayleigh McEnany, arguing that Platner represents what Kennedy described as the far-left faction now driving the Democratic Party.

Kennedy said the Democratic Party is increasingly controlled by what he called the “woke wing,” the “Karen wing,” and the “socialist wing,” naming Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and Sen. Bernie Sanders as leading figures.

“Mr. Platner is a member,” Kennedy said.

The Louisiana Republican accused that wing of the party of holding “deeply weird beliefs,” including support for radical gender ideology, open borders, and efforts to defund ICE.

Kennedy said the same political faction becomes outraged over pronouns while, in his view, ignoring crime and border security.

“These folks have the right to believe what they believe,” Kennedy said. “This is America. You can believe what you want. But I have the right to believe what I want, and I happen to think they’re clowns, and most of them can’t even juggle.”

Kennedy also criticized members of the Washington media, saying many reporters he encounters every day have “Titanic self-regard” and are sympathetic to the same agenda.

Kennedy closed by saying voters will ultimately decide whether Platner and the Democratic Party’s left flank are in step with the country.

“We’ll see,” Kennedy said. “The voters will have the final say, as they should.”