Democrats are experiencing a rift over Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner, as a resurfaced Reddit post and video highlighting a tattoo that resembles a Nazi symbol have reignited scrutiny of his background.
This situation has split opinions among progressives and party insiders. Some view Platner as a bold outsider, while others express concerns he might be a risk politically. He mentioned that he decided to cover the tattoo with a different design instead of removing it, citing the limited options for removal in rural Maine.
“Going to a tattoo removal shop would be time-consuming,” he stated, adding, “I wanted to get this out of my body.”
In a tweet, he shared, “Years ago, I got a skull and crossbones tattoo with a buddy of mine in the Marine Corps. I was shocked to learn that it closely resembled a Nazi symbol. Yesterday I changed it to something that doesn’t go so deeply against the core of my beliefs.”
Platner’s controversy emerged shortly after Democratic Governor Janet Mills declared her candidacy for the Senate, following apparent encouragement from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Schumer, a key figure in the party, has distanced himself from Platner. When asked if he felt candidates should be disqualified over such issues, he replied, “I’ll let the people of Maine decide.”
Both Mills and Platner are competing to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a crucial race for the Senate majority.
“We believe Janet Mills is the best candidate to replace Susan Collins,” Schumer mentioned, emphasizing her established reputation as a two-term governor and the support she has in Maine.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin criticized Platner’s past actions, labeling them as “indefensible, harmful and offensive,” but noted that it did not make him unfit for office.
Ari Drennen, an LGBTQ program director, pointed out a video from Platner’s wedding, mocking him with comments about a less-than-stellar gift to his brother. Despite this, independent Senator Bernie Sanders continues to back Platner and reaffirmed his support, citing his long-standing history with him.
“Look, I understand that this whole platoon was intoxicated — I don’t know much about it,” Sanders explained. “People go through dark times. He apologized for the stupid things he said, the hurtful things he said. I’m confident he’ll run a great campaign and win.”
Crystal Ball, co-host of a podcast, defended Platner, asserting she would prefer a candidate with an unfortunate tattoo rather than someone with a history of supporting harmful policies.
Mills has voiced her stance on anti-Semitism, condemning divestment votes from Israel at events like a rally in December 2024. She pledged support for Maine’s Jewish community during ongoing global tensions.
In a recent tweet, Ryan Grimm noted that rejecting individuals with minor flaws could be damaging for the Democratic Party.
Emma Vigeland criticized the establishment Democrats for limiting Platner’s candidacy, suggesting that the party elites tend to overlook wrongdoing in corporate centrists like former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
“The censorious hall-monitor liberalism that refuses to embrace the growth of the people… is far more of a threat to the future chances of the Democratic Party than anything unearthed about Graham Platner,” she argued.
