The increasing controversy surrounding Maine Senator Graham Platner’s candidacy is putting Democratic voters and leaders to the test regarding their willingness to back a candidate who could be the best chance to defeat Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) in the upcoming election.
Platner has faced numerous negative headlines recently, with one of the most significant being the discovery of a tattoo featuring a Nazi symbol on his chest, which he later covered up. Additionally, some of his past remarks on Reddit have sparked controversy.
Despite this, many of his supporters, including Senator Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont), are standing by him for now. Polls indicate that Platner enjoys a substantial lead over his Democratic opponent, Governor Janet Mills, leading to questions about whether voters will dismiss his controversial past in favor of a new generation of leaders.
“I think Donald Trump has changed our politics for a long time, both positively and negatively,” Rocha commented. “One good thing, in my view, is that he’s shown that perfection isn’t necessary. There might be some flaws, but America has shown it can be pretty forgiving.”
However, other Democrats are not ready to overlook Platner’s actions.
“I don’t get how some in the party, who label Trump a Nazi, can excuse Nazi tattoos,” remarked an anonymous Democratic strategist.
Supporters of Platner argue that comparing his tattoos to Trump’s authoritarian governance is unfair.
“There’s a key difference between Republicans backing Trump’s extreme tactics and those aligned with someone like Platner,” said Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee. “One’s ideology is a distinct matter, and in Platner’s case, that’s a complicated situation.”
Recently, CNN’s K-Files looked into Platner’s previous Reddit posts from 2020 and 2021, where he criticized law enforcement and expressed frustration with his military service, even identifying as a “communist” and “socialist.”
This week, LGBTQ publication The Advocate brought to light older posts by Platner, made under the handle P-Hustle, where he used crude, derogatory language against the LGBTQ community.
The latest controversy revolves around a tattoo resembling the Totenkopf, a symbol linked to Adolf Hitler’s army during Nazi Germany. Platner has since apologized for the Reddit comments, recognizing the inappropriateness of his earlier statements and admitting he only realized the tattoo’s resemblance to a Nazi symbol after being informed by a journalist.
Supporters maintain that candidates like Platner cater to the rising demand for generational change in the party. Democrats have been dealing with age-related concerns, especially after Joe Biden opted not to seek re-election due to apprehensions regarding his mental condition. Additionally, three House Democrats in their 70s passed away while serving this year alone.
They argue that reaching out to working-class constituents, whom Democrats lost support from in the last presidential election, is crucial.
“We’re in an era seeking outsiders. Many people are drawn to candidates who aren’t typical political figures,” Greene emphasized. “A candidate who acknowledges mistakes and champions workers can be more appealing than an establishment figure like a 77-year-old governor.”
Another anonymous Democratic strategist expressed caution, noting that the party’s progressive faction might risk alienating minority voters.
“Sure, there’s a push for fresh, vibrant voices in the party, but those candidates shouldn’t have Nazi tattoos,” the strategist stated. “Minority groups have historically had concerns about such candidates.”
Democrats are also wary that Platner’s ongoing controversies could inadvertently bolster Collins and her Republican supporters.
“This could be particularly detrimental next October when Republicans are heavily investing in media,” another anonymous strategist noted. “If you want to defeat Susan Collins, knowing that these headlines exist now, you should reconsider what you allow the Republicans to capitalize on.”
Platner’s issues emerge amid another controversy in Virginia, where Democratic attorney general candidate Jay Jones is facing backlash stemming from comments he made about a Republican state House speaker’s tragic shooting incident.
This has created a significant challenge for Democrats, especially in an election likely to lean in their favor.
“We need to thoroughly vet our candidates. It’s essential, especially as we rebuild. These individuals will shape our party moving forward,” a Democratic strategist stated.
Democratic strategist Mary Ann Marsh warned that unvetted candidates might cause problems even after winning the general election.
“There’s always a risk-benefit analysis in selecting a candidate. If they win, what implications might arise once they take office?” Marsh questioned.
Another Democratic strategist recommended that party leaders take a step back and let the electorate make their choice.
“Look at New York as an example. They overstated issues that in reality were small,” the strategist observed, highlighting the tensions in the New York mayoral election as a case in point.
They urged Democrats to keep in mind that different candidates might be suitable for varying geographic contexts.
“What works in Maine isn’t necessarily effective in Michigan or Wisconsin,” the strategist concluded.
So far, Platner retains a favorable standing among Maine’s Democratic base. Polling just before the disclosure of his controversial Reddit posts and tattoo showed considerable enthusiasm for Platner among voters.
A recent survey by the University of New Hampshire Research Center indicated that Platner was leading Mills in the Democratic primary by 58 to 24 percent, with 14% undecided and 2% supporting other candidates, and a margin of error of plus or minus 4.3 percentage points.
Furthermore, an internal poll from the National Republican Senatorial Committee revealed that Platner commands a significant portion of support, with 46% from Democratic primary voters, while Mills stood at 25%. Another Democratic contender, Jordan Wood, garnered 3%, with 26% undecided.
Yet, some Maine Democrats have publicly denounced Platner, shifting their support to Mills. Daila Smith-Rodriguez recently withdrew from her own candidacy to endorse Mills, citing concerns over Platner’s past comments regarding military sexual assault.
“As a survivor of military sexual violence, I cannot support someone who questions the reality of this crisis,” she stated.
