Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, faced scrutiny over his past comments and actions during an interview on Friday. He attributed some of his earlier controversial views to the “culture” he encountered during his military service, a statement that has drawn criticism from both Republicans and veterans.
In a conversation with CBS News host Maj. Garrett on the podcast “The Takeout,” Platner reflected on how his time in the Army shaped his beliefs, which he claims to no longer hold. He said, “I came from a very masculine, very violent place. We in the infantry have a crude sense of humor… I would say we certainly have a narrow view on many topics, and that has influenced my opinions and beliefs.”
These comments came in response to scrutiny linked to past posts on Reddit, Nazi tattoos, and other controversies from his past. Platner explained that he has evolved by interacting with a wide range of perspectives after leaving military life.
However, his remarks have not gone unchallenged. Republican leaders, many with military backgrounds, rejected Platner’s insinuation that such beliefs are indicative of military culture. Rep. Don Bacon, a retired Air Force general, stated that in his extensive career, he never encountered a Nazi tattoo among service members.
Additionally, Sen. Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL, mocked Platner’s explanation, asking rhetorically if he had forgotten the basic training lessons that supposedly encouraged such tattoos and narratives. Others like Sen. Todd Young and Sen. Ted Cruz echoed similar sentiments, asserting that Platner’s characterizations misrepresent the military experience.
While Platner acknowledged that not everything from his past is due to his military background, he also asserted that it significantly influenced his early views. “I have never put all the blame solely on post-traumatic stress,” he noted, elaborating that many views were shaped by the culture surrounding him during that time.
