Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki commented on Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner’s claims on Tuesday, where he suggested that Democrats are attempting to “destroy” his life.
Platner is under scrutiny due to past comments on Reddit, where he referred to police officers as “assholes,” labeled white individuals as racist, and suggested that Black individuals do not tip. Additionally, he has faced criticism for a tattoo on his chest resembling a Nazi skull and crossbones symbol, which he has since covered up.
During her appearance on MSNBC, Psaki acknowledged that running as an outsider might benefit Platner, but emphasized the negative impact of the campaign’s tactics. “These are the comments you made…you knew they could come to light, including the tattoos on your body,” she noted. “When you say the party is trying to destroy your life, it sounds a bit like you’re avoiding responsibility for your past comments.”
In response, Platner argued that he was not trying to evade accountability and insisted that he was merely seeking a chance to clarify his position. “I’m not shying away from anything. I’ve been discussing this topic extensively in interviews over the past week,” he stated.
He also mentioned that no one has inquired about why he held those views in the past or whether he has changed since then.
At a recent town hall meeting, one attendee commended Platner for his openness regarding his earlier mistakes and expressed appreciation for the ongoing discussion about personal growth.
However, recent polling reveals a different narrative. A Southern California Strategies poll, conducted after reports about Platner’s tattoos, shows that his opponent, Governor Janet Mills (D-Maine), leads him by five points in the Democratic primary, with several months remaining.
Despite this, Platner persists in his campaign, positioning himself as a voice for the working class. “Many people are looking for real, accessible politics—not the negative ads or the usual political negativity we often see,” he remarked.
He added that for many, the current political climate feels superficial and unfulfilling.
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) remains one of Platner’s notable supporters, recognizing the candidate’s ability to draw large crowds. Even amidst the controversies, Sanders endorses Platner.
Platner shared, “Connecting individually with Mainers is crucial because they can tell if you’re being dishonest. They see what’s happening and recognize it as the system pushing back. Many are coming together, advocating for better politics,” he concluded.
