Platner’s removed post complicates PTSD argument for controversial comments

Democrat Graham Platner is now addressing a series of controversial social media posts—ones that seemingly endorsed political violence and criticized law enforcement—by linking them to his struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, he suggested in a deleted post that PTSD from his military service doesn’t excuse violent behavior.

At 41, Platner made these remarks on the Reddit forum r/SocialistRA back in 2020, before he became a prominent candidate against Republican Senator Susan Collins in the upcoming midterm elections. Using a pseudonym, Platner reacted to a report about two former police officers who had admitted to killing a porcupine with their batons. He claimed PTSD was not a valid excuse for such actions.

“I served four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan in the infantry, and I’ve been diagnosed with PTSD,” Platner stated. “But that doesn’t give anyone a free pass to harm defenseless animals or engage in trash behavior.” His comments on Reddit were removed months before his Senate candidacy.

Throughout his campaign, Platner has associated these past remarks with his battle with PTSD, portraying them as a reflection of his struggles rather than his current mindset. He describes that period as the darkest of his life. “I felt confused, alienated, and I think, like many, I took to the internet to vent my frustrations,” he explained in a social media video late last year.

Some of his more unsettling comments from the past include a 2013 post linked to a contentious discussion about women’s underwear designed to prevent sexual assault. Platner, who has faced significant criticism for a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol that he got while drinking with fellow Marines in 2007, expressed regret about some online actions, states that he did not initially understand the symbol’s implications.

Despite intense scrutiny, he believes that his past social media activities won’t derail his campaign efforts. In a recent interview, Platner even distanced himself from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, asserting he does not support Schumer’s leadership. He argues the Democratic establishment’s efforts to discredit him have failed and anticipates similar attempts from the Republican side.

Maine Democratic Governor Janet Mills aimed to highlight his controversial comments about rape in her campaign, but this didn’t seem to hinder his popularity among primary voters. Mills eventually withdrew from the race after trailing in polls behind Platner.