Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and U.S. Senate candidate from Maine, found himself in hot water last month due to several offensive comments he made online. He’s labeled white rural Americans as racist, suggested that soldiers concerned about sexual assault should get “Kevlar underwear,” and referred to all police as “bastards.” Additionally, Platner faced backlash for a tattoo that resembled a skull associated with Adolf Hitler, which he later covered up.
Despite these controversies, he has backing from prominent figures like Senators Bernie Sanders and Martin Heinrich and doesn’t seem to rank among the most extreme candidates for the 2026 Democratic nomination. Compared to other candidates, like a socialist running for Congress in Michigan’s 7th District, Platner’s remarks seem relatively mild.
This other candidate, Samuel Smeltzer, known for his radical views, has made alarming statements himself. He’s suggested that America deserved the September 11 attacks and has openly labeled Jesus as a “communist.” Smeltzer has gone so far as to celebrate the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a Turning Point USA founder, proclaiming “Good things can happen” shortly after the event.
He also made remarks against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and labelled Israel as an “enemy of the United States.” Smeltzer’s comments have drawn criticism, with the National Republican Congressional Committee calling his rhetoric “dangerous and disturbing.” They highlighted the fact that only about 38% of Democrats think it’s unacceptable to celebrate the death of a public figure they oppose.
Smeltzer positions himself as an advocate for the “furry community,” suggesting it embodies American freedom while arguing that conservative critics hate such expressions. He has stated that other candidates in his party can’t fix what he sees as a broken system.
Interestingly, he claims that his focus is on health care and taxing the wealthy, aiming to use a congressional platform to support those sharing his unconventional interests. His viewpoints have raised eyebrows, and even though he touts “compassionate leadership,” some of his posts exhibit a more chaotic side.
With ongoing tensions and eccentric candidates in the mix, it’s uncertain how these contrasting perspectives will shape the upcoming election.
