Maine Senate Candidate Addresses Controversial Tattoos
In Washington, Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for Senate from Maine, is no longer expressing regret over his Nazi-related tattoos that came to light last year. Instead, he’s suggesting that Jewish leaders are providing him with justifications for his ink.
Platner, who has previously apologized for the tattoo on his chest that some voters interpreted as a clear Nazi association, spoke candidly about the matter. “I had a meeting with some Jewish leaders in New York, and someone mentioned, ‘Wait a minute, we thought you had a swastika,'” he recounted.
The oyster farmer and Marine veteran shared that he got a tattoo resembling the notorious Totenkopf symbol while intoxicated in Croatia back in 2007. He insists he’s “not a secret Nazi,” and to cover it up, he later added a design of a “Celtic knot with an image around a dog.”
Initially, Platner was quick to apologize for the tattoo, but his recent interviews convey a more defiant perspective. “Honestly, the more they discuss it, the more it highlights that I got it because of my service as a combat Marine,” he articulated. “My experiences in Iraq influenced me and others to get skull and crossbones tattoos. If the focus remains on my military background, I’m more than happy to engage.”
During one interview, he admired the Soviet film “Come and See,” which portrays resistance against Nazi forces in World War II, mentioning how the Totenkopf symbol appears prominently in it. “There’s really no anti-war film except perhaps ‘Come and See.’ Everyone should take the time to watch it,” he added.
Initially, Platner claimed he had no idea his tattoo resembled a Nazi symbol. “It wasn’t until reporters and officials mentioned it that I realized,” he said. “Had I known, I certainly wouldn’t have it.” This claim contrasts with a former confidant who alleged that Platner had boasted about the tattoo in a D.C. bar, remarking, “Oh, this is my Totenkopf,” in a seemingly lighthearted manner.
Interestingly, Platner had also referenced the Totenkopf seven years ago. His former political director later noted that Platner, a military history enthusiast, was aware of the symbol’s significance.
In past social media discussions, Platner made controversial comments regarding law enforcement and race, including remarks implying a lack of tipping among Black patrons, for which he later apologized.
Currently, Platner is set to compete against Maine Governor Janet Mills for the Democratic nomination, aiming to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in November. The campaign has been approached for further comments.
