Democratic Nomination in Maine Won by Graham Platner Amid Scandals

On Tuesday, Graham Platner claimed the Democratic nomination in Maine, despite being embroiled in various controversies. His troubles began last year with the surfacing of a Nazi tattoo on his chest, famously not a swastika but a “Totenkopf,” which represented the SS that oversaw Holocaust death camps.

For months, major broadcast networks largely steered clear of discussing Platner and his tattoo. It wasn’t until April 22 that an NPR article finally brought attention to the issue. Interestingly enough, this came from an outlet called “All Things Considered.” Steve Misler from Maine Public Radio mentioned that Platner’s numerous controversies—including past offensive social media posts—didn’t deter high-profile supporters like Senator Elizabeth Warren from backing him. Instead, he was characterized as having a populist appeal.

Things escalated when a new scandal broke on May 31, involving claims of sexting with several women while being newly married. His wife, Amy, reportedly warned campaign officials that this could be problematic before it was leaked to the Wall Street Journal.

Network Sunday hosts posed curious questions about Platner’s candidacy. On CBS, Margaret Brennan’s inquiry was “Will He Pass the Personality Test?” NBC’s Kristen Welker asked, “Is Graham Platner a headache for Democrats?” Most definitely. ABC’s Jonathan Karl expressed concern, asking, “Are you worried about the impact of these controversies on the Democrats’ chance to win a Senate seat in Maine?”

Traditionally, during midterm election cycles, networks tend to minimize coverage of specific candidates. But exceptions exist—usually targeting Republican candidates who could be seen as problematic. Platner, however, doesn’t fit that mold if he were a Republican.

On June 5, yet another controversy surfaced. The New York Times revealed that some of Platner’s ex-girlfriends had alleged harmful and abusive behavior towards him.

CBS anchor Tony Dokoupil described Platner as a central figure in the Democratic strategy to recapture the Senate, but added he was also “a strange man” full of regrets about his past. The complexities just keep piling on.

ABC journalist Serena Wang recounted accusations of violence, including claims of physical harm, but Platner firmly denied these allegations. Wang chose a cautious tone when discussing the Nazi tattoo, framing it as merely “resembling a Nazi symbol” and noted Platner’s claim of being recently aware of its implications. It’s puzzling how one could misinterpret such a clear symbol.

As for NBC, the coverage seemed to downplay the domestic violence allegations. On June 6, reporter Monica Alba stated Platner’s previous admission of not being the perfect boyfriend while denying any physical claims. Nevertheless, he now finds himself positioned as a critical component of Democratic efforts to regain the Senate.

David Brooks, a severe critic appearing on “PBS NewsHour” on June 5, labeled Platner as a morally degenerate individual. He had a laundry list of grievances: allegations of abuse, sexting, and his troubling tattoo. Yet, Jonathan Capehart, his co-host, argued that despite these issues, Democrats may still need him to challenge President Trump.

On Monday’s “News Hour,” NPR’s Tamara Keith sought to downplay the scandals, asserting that Democrats had the best candidate and hinting at the nuances—like, say, the tattoo.

The morning of the primaries saw “CBS Morning” co-host Gayle King commenting that Maine voters were “facing a lot of negative stories” regarding Platner’s relationships. Reporter Caitlin Huey Burns suggested that Platner’s victory would test just how much voters were willing to overlook for party success. Broadcast networks implied that a primary win might signal an overcoming of the scandals, positioning them as “old news.”

After Platner secured the primary win, NBC’s Ryan Nobles indicated that the scandals seemed to have only strengthened his ties with the Democratic base. Platner was described as ready to champion a progressive message this November, despite the controversies.

Finally, comedian Jimmy Kimmel offered a humorous take, comparing Platner and Trump. He noted that Platner “easily won the primary” surrounded by scandals, and joked that if the Democrats couldn’t seat him, the Republicans might consider him for a presidential run in 2028. It’s an interesting, albeit cynical, perspective on the political landscape.