Graham Platner’s Senate Run Faces Challenges
Graham Platner, an oyster farmer from Maine, declared his candidacy as a Democratic challenger to Republican Senator Susan Collins in August. He quickly gained endorsement from independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont.
The recent entry of Maine Governor Janet Mills into the race is certainly a setback for Platner, though it’s not necessarily his biggest concern right now, surprisingly enough.
“Graham has an anti-Semitic tattoo on his chest. He’s not an idiot; he’s actually a military history enthusiast,” someone remarked, pointing to his complex background.
Amidst scrutiny, troubling posts from Platner’s past on Reddit surfaced, where he described himself as a communist. He made derogatory comments about white rural Americans, suggested that soldiers concerned about sexual assault should consider “Kevlar underwear,” and labeled all police officers as “bastards.” These revelations led to a variety of reactions.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin stated that Platner’s past remarks shouldn’t disqualify him from running. This support was echoed by California Representative Ro Khanna, who previously backed Platner. Khanna remarked, “I respect Mr. Platner’s journey and who he is today. I’m not intimidated by the system.”
Shortly after these discussions, Platner found it necessary to apologize for his previous statements, although things seem to keep coming back to haunt him.
In a recently resurfaced video, Platner was seen lip-syncing to a Miley Cyrus song while removing his shirt, with viewers spotting a “Totenkopf” tattoo on his chest. This symbol, historically linked to Nazi imagery, raised concerns and further critique.
Reflecting on the situation, Platner indicated he was unaware of the connotations of his tattoo at the time of getting it. “I certainly wouldn’t have gone through life with it had I known,” he commented, mentioning plans for its removal and expressing offense at suggestions that he embraced its meaning.
Genevieve McDonald, who was serving as political director for Platner’s campaign, resigned last week due to these ongoing controversies. She pointed out that the tattoo issue had been around for some time, implying that Platner should have been aware of the implications.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee joined others in denouncing the tattoo, describing it as a “Nazi tattoo.” Zach Schwartz, from the Jewish Community Relations Council of Southern Maine, emphasized the symbol’s grave historical significance, urging Platner to outright denounce what it stands for.
On the podcast “Pod Save America,” Platner insisted, “I’m not a secret Nazi,” adding that his stance against Nazism and anti-Semitism was clear. Yet, discrepancies in his past comments on Reddit seem to contradict this, showcasing a baffling juxtaposition.
Sanders maintained his support for Platner, noting that the tattoo may have been acquired during a bout of intoxication, suggesting a shared human struggle. “He’s apologized for the hurtful things he said, and I believe he’ll run an effective campaign,” Sanders remarked.
Senator Martin Heinrich also expressed backing for Platner, emphasizing that the Democratic Party should encompass those who have faced difficulties in life, showing a willingness to accept those who’ve made mistakes.
While Platner grapples with his past, he faces a challenging race ahead, and various opinions on his candidacy paint a complicated picture of both his character and his potential as a candidate.
