Support for Graham Platner Amid Controversy
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has expressed strong support for Graham Platner, a first-time Senate candidate from Maine, despite the backlash regarding Platner’s Nazi-style tattoos and controversial Reddit posts that have resurfaced.
In a discussion with Axios, Sanders suggested that the media should take responsibility for the uproar surrounding Platner’s tattoo and his military background. He remarked, “I’m not very interested in hearing the media repeatedly ask, ‘What do you think about Graham Platner’s chest tattoo?'” during an episode of “The Axios Show.”
Platner, who serves as a US Marine Corps and Army veteran as well as an oyster farmer, has drawn criticism for a skull and crossbones tattoo—a symbol reminiscent of the Totenkopf, historically linked to Hitler’s SS. He has since covered that tattoo with a new design.
In addition, old posts from his Reddit account have been uncovered, in which he seems to mock military sexual assault survivors, express disdain for police, and make racially insensitive comments. In previous social media statements, Platner described all police as “bastards” and identified himself as a “communist.”
The situation escalated when his political director, Genevieve MacDonald, resigned following the resurfacing of a Reddit post and the tattoo debacle. Platner has since issued apologies for both matters.
Despite these controversies, Platner currently leads in the Democratic primary race, with 58% of likely voters supporting him according to the University of New Hampshire Pine Tree State Poll. This poll was conducted during the time when the Reddit posts emerged and before the tattoo news broke.
Senator Sanders, standing by Platner, noted that the candidate has faced a “dark period” in his life due to his past online behavior. He commented, “I don’t think Graham Platner is the only American who has experienced dark times. He let some of that inner struggle show online, which probably wasn’t the best choice. He did say some hurtful things and has apologized.”
Sanders emphasized that the public should shift its focus from tattoos to the pressing problems affecting everyday Americans. “We shouldn’t be concentrating on tattoos,” he stated, “but rather on a system that is, in many ways, falling apart.”
Platner recounted that he got the tattoo during a “drinking night” while vacationing in Croatia with Marines in 2007, claiming he was unaware of its historical implications at the time. In a video posted on Instagram, he explained that the design was selected from a wall of tattoo samples amid excitement with his fellow Marines.
He further expressed dismay at discovering that the tattoo resembled a symbol of hatred and stated that he had since added a Celtic knot and an image of a dog to the design in tribute to his family pet. Platner opted to cover the tattoo instead of removing it due to a lack of removal services in rural Maine.
In a controversial Reddit post, Platner previously asked, “Why don’t black people tip?” This was in connection with a discussion thread probing questions people wanted to ask those of other races. He has also stated that “an armed working class is essential for economic justice,” indicating his belief in the need for a certain readiness against fascism.
Meanwhile, in the race for the Senate seat, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is backing Maine Governor Janet Mills against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, with Mills currently leading in the polls, capturing about 24% of the vote compared to just 1% for other contenders. Collins, for her part, enjoys 66% support among Republicans.
