Maine Senate Candidate Faces Controversy Over Past Comments

Maine Democrat Graham Platner has recently claimed that he was merely “joking” in a years-old Reddit post where he referred to himself as a “communist.” Platner is currently vying for the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in 2026.

In some now-deleted posts from 2020 and 2021, Platner wrote, “I’m old and a communist,” but he insists it was nothing more than an “internet post.” He expressed his views on various issues, stating, “I believe in Medicare for All, I believe in expanding the right of workers to organize, and I believe in taxing the super rich for a fairer economic system.” He mentioned that he anticipates being labeled because of these beliefs. “It’s just a joke,” he added.

He acknowledged that his past posts had included remarks characterizing white rural voters as “stupid and racist.” He explained, “I got into an argument with someone and said some white voters in rural areas are stupid and racist. I myself am a rural white voter in eastern Maine. They are my neighbors and friends.” Platner emphasized that he often stands up for them.

Despite this controversy, Platner remains firm in his position. He elaborated, “I don’t want to sound flippant, but I was having an argument on the internet… at a time when I was looking for interaction, feeling quite isolated and disillusioned.” He claims those feelings no longer apply to him.

The scrutiny faced by Platner escalated after a troubling tattoo was revealed—a Totenkopf symbol previously associated with Hitler’s SS militia. Following this, he endured considerable backlash, with some calling for him to withdraw from the race, leading to the resignation of several campaign officials. Yet, he asserts that despite these challenges, his campaign remains robust.

“It’s amusing to see reports claiming that my campaign is falling apart. Honestly, we’ve never felt stronger from the inside,” he told reporters. “It really didn’t hurt my campaign. In fact, I think it has made us stronger in many ways.”

Platner concluded by reflecting on the human experience, stating, “I want to talk about our evolution as humans… Many Americans want a society that offers grace and forgiveness, providing hope for change. If we can’t embrace that, what’s the point?” He expressed confidence in his team’s commitment, acknowledging that while they lost some members, those who remain are energized and dedicated.