Graham ‘Nazi Tattoo’ Platner’s Scandal History – 14 and Counting

Graham Platner, the standout Democratic candidate in Maine, seems to be someone only Democrats and mainstream media can support. Why? Because he’s a Democrat, and that seems to grant him a kind of shield—if you’re part of that party, you can do just about anything, and still receive backing.

It’s curious, really. We’re in a situation where the same outlets that criticized Obama’s antics are okay with this. Yes, those very same media who devoted time to denouncing the Republican Party and candidate Mitt Romney for Todd Akin’s comments on abortion are now, well, seemingly okay with Platner.

If, say, a video emerged of Platner in an inappropriate situation with a kangaroo, I imagine CNN would spin it as him just being an “animal lover.”

Currently, there are 14 notable controversies surrounding Platner:

1. He sported a Nazi SS tattoo for 18 years.
2. He’s allegedly active on a dating site, despite being married.
3. In 2023, he engaged in explicit conversations with six women, also while married.
4. He expressed disdain toward an entire demographic, calling black people a “non-tipping population.”
5. He blamed sexual assault victims for their experiences.
6. He made derogatory comments regarding rural Mainers.
7. He shared anti-gay sentiments on Reddit.
8. He promoted someone known for Holocaust denial on social platforms.
9. He boasted about inappropriate actions in a public restroom.
10. A Purple Heart recipient was ridiculed as “a stupid bastard who didn’t deserve to live.”
11. He encouraged military personnel to engage in questionable behavior overseas.
12. He referred to the Virgin Mary in unflattering terms.
13. He had a history of drunk driving incidents.
14. He participated in an anti-Semitic podcast that claimed Jews were behind JFK’s assassination.

The Democrats seem to be handling this well, or perhaps not-so-well.

They appear to be relinquishing any moral high ground they once held when it comes to opposing candidates like Senator Susan Collins, who is often viewed as one of the Senate’s more liberal Republicans.

Interestingly, Democrats had the option to back incumbent Governor Janet Mills, but opted instead for Platner, which resulted in Mills stepping aside.

Republicans assert that damaging findings against Platner—yet to be disclosed—will be significant enough to force him to withdraw from the race entirely.

What’s likely to unfold next? Platner secured his nomination on June 9 but may be pushed out due to these controversies, paving the way for someone not initially chosen by Democratic voters to take his place. This wouldn’t be the first time pro-democracy Democrats have made such a move—it raises questions about the decision-making around candidates and representation.