Veteran Critiques Maine Senate Candidate
A decorated military veteran, Pfc. Ted Daniels, has taken aim at Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner, criticizing him harshly on his alternative Reddit account and questioning the support he receives from Democrats.
Daniels, who gained notoriety in 2012 for a dramatic video showing him protecting fellow soldiers from Taliban fire, expressed his discontent with Democrats backing Platner. He suggested they owe an apology to the children, seemingly referencing the impact of Platner’s comments.
“I’m pretty thick-skinned,” Daniels told the Post, “but what he said is concerning. I don’t expect an apology from Platner. It wouldn’t feel genuine anyway.”
Daniels specifically called out prominent Democrats like Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, urging them to explain to their children that they support someone who said their fathers shouldn’t have lived. “To think they’re backing a person who wishes death upon veterans is disturbing,” he added.
In that viral 2012 footage, Daniels was seen making a risky move to help his comrades during an intense firefight in Afghanistan. At 37, and a father of two, he exhibited exceptional courage, ultimately facing four gunshot wounds yet ensuring the survival of his group, which earned him a Purple Heart.
Years ago, Platner, a Marine veteran, demeaned Daniels in a Reddit post under the name P-Hustle, stating, “This video will never get old. Stupid mother didn’t deserve to be alive.” The post has since been verified and reflects Platner’s harsh take on Daniels’ actions. Although Platner has since deleted many posts from his account, he maintained a refusal to apologize, attributing his comments to a “post.” The outlet has reached out for a further response.
Previously, Daniels had run for Congress as a Republican and later sought the lieutenant governor position in Pennsylvania. He condemned Platner’s attacks on other veterans, including Navy Seal Chris Kyle and Vice President JD Vance, pointing out the disgraceful nature of such remarks.
Daniels emphasized his confusion at Platner’s disparagement of veterans who served dutifully. “It really is puzzling. Why berate those who have sacrificed for their country?” he said, expressing his anger over Platner’s Reddit post that defended improper actions of soldiers in wartime.
Platner has responded to criticisms, saying, “I’ve served four tours in the infantry. Calling us disrespectful is basically slanderous,” when confronted about his opinions on veterans. He boasts friends who also wear Purple Hearts, underscoring his military service.
Daniels, standing at 6-foot-4 and often seen as intimidating, remarked on the freedom that comes with online assertions. “It’s easy to talk tough from behind a screen. I wonder how Platner would act if we met face to face,” he mused.
While reflecting on his own experiences, Daniels noted the long-term effects of his service, including surgeries and dealing with PTSD. At the same time, he believes the sacrifices made by veterans deserve acknowledgment.
“I’m not here to compare myself to Platner or his achievements. His comments were obviously out of line, but they won’t keep me up at night,” he stated. “Many veterans feel overshadowed or unrecognized for their contributions when others get undue focus.”
