Fetterman Critiques Platner Amid Controversy
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman intensified his criticism of Senate candidate Graham Platner on Wednesday, targeting the Maine progressive for past inflammatory comments and urging him to disclose messages linked to a Kik account that has sparked controversy in Platner’s campaign.
“This guy had a problem with my clothes, but he didn’t seem to mind posing with a towel over his head on a website with serious issues,” Fetterman remarked during an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity.
Democrats are now calling for Platner to publicly share messages he allegedly exchanged with women on the platform.
“Let’s make a deal: If he releases all his texts and messages, I’ll wear a suit every day… [with] more than a dozen women,” he stated, referencing Platner’s username on Kik.
A Cloud of Controversy Surrounds Platner’s Campaign
Fetterman expressed concerns over the age verification on anonymous messaging platforms and challenged Platner to prove the age of the individuals involved in those conversations.
Platner’s camp had previously acknowledged that the Kik account from 2016 belonged to him, although he claimed to have deleted the app. Yet, he has not deactivated the account.
“As a Democrat, I won’t back a guy who insults an American hero and makes slanderous claims,” Fetterman added. “It’s too many offenses to count. Absolutely.”
Further Complications for Platner
Despite the backlash, Platner still maintains an active account on another anonymous app amid allegations of infidelity.
Fetterman discussed various controversies weighing on Platner, including Reddit posts, a video that accused the late Navy SEAL Chris Kyle of exaggerating his actions against civilians, and a tattoo of the Nazi Totenkopf, which Platner has reportedly covered up.
“There’s so much offense occurring that it’s hard to keep track,” Fetterman remarked.
While Fetterman has distanced himself from Platner and raised questions about the Democratic Party’s support for him, some prominent Democrats continue to back Platner’s campaign. Notably, Senator Bernie Sanders defended him recently, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Elizabeth Warren endorsed his efforts against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Platner has addressed some of the controversies, mentioning that he obtained the Totenkopf tattoo in 2007, claiming he was unaware of its Nazi connotations at the time. He has apologized for past social media comments, expressing hope that people will judge him based on his present self, citing difficulties in adjusting after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
