Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner disclosed that he has a tattoo resembling the Totenkopf, a symbol associated with Nazi Germany, during an interview on “Pod Save America.” Platner, a veteran, stated he received the tattoo while drunk in 2007 and was unaware of its association with Nazism until he began his campaign. Despite facing scrutiny, including the resignation of his former political director, Platner has received support from Senator Bernie Sanders and plans to have the tattoo removed. The disclosure came amidst recent revelations of Platner’s old Reddit comments on various sensitive topics.
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AP News reports that Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin stated that controversial online comments made by U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner were wrong and offensive but not disqualifying. The comments, revealed in old Reddit posts, appeared to endorse political violence and criticize various groups. Platner has since apologized, citing post-traumatic stress disorder and depression experienced after leaving the Army, and has highlighted other posts showing his support for veterans and criticism of discrimination. Despite the controversy, some Democratic leaders continue to support Platner, while his political director resigned in response to the unearthed posts.
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Maine Governor Janet Mills has entered the crowded Democratic race to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, a move spurred by Democratic Senate leaders following a public dispute with President Trump. Mills’s campaign will focus on her experience as governor, highlighting her accomplishments on local education, Medicaid expansion, and abortion rights, while contrasting her record with the other candidates. However, she faces a potentially bruising primary against other Democrats, including progressive candidates. The race also presents significant challenges due to the Democrats’ struggle to win a Senate seat in Maine and Collins’ established presence since 1996.
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In a surprising move, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has endorsed Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and former U.S. Marine, in his bid to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine. Platner’s grassroots campaign has quickly gained momentum, raising $1 million and signing up 3,000 supporters in just ten days. Sanders is scheduled to rally with Platner on Labor Day, while some Democrats are reportedly hoping that Governor Janet Mills will enter the race. Collins, whose approval ratings have declined, faces a challenge from the surging Platner, who aligns with Sanders on progressive policies.
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In a surprising turn of events, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has endorsed Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and former U.S. Marine, in his bid to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine. Platner’s grassroots campaign, dubbed “the oysterman,” has already garnered significant support, raising $1 million and signing up 3,000 people in just ten days. Sanders’ endorsement, which will include a Labor Day rally, clashes with some Democrats who are reportedly backing Governor Janet Mills to enter the race. Meanwhile, Collins faces declining approval ratings and has been criticized for her actions, particularly by younger Democrats.
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Graham Platner, a Maine oysterman and former Marine, is running for US Senate with a campaign rooted in working-class politics. His platform includes Medicare for all, affordable housing initiatives, and a billionaire minimum tax. Platner believes the Democratic party has lost touch with working-class Americans and advocates for a more populist approach to combat rising fascism. His campaign, which has gained traction, is built on his military experience, disillusionment with US foreign policy, and a desire to represent the interests of his community. Platner is challenging the status quo, including incumbent Senator Susan Collins, and seeks to offer a more authentic and relatable voice for Maine voters.
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Marine Corps and U.S. Army veteran Graham Platner, an oyster farmer from Maine, has announced his Senate campaign, aiming to unseat Republican incumbent Susan Collins. Platner criticizes Collins’s voting record and her perceived failure to stand up to former President Trump’s agenda, particularly regarding healthcare and economic policies. Democrats see Maine as a key state to retake the Senate majority, but face challenges in recruiting strong candidates against Collins, who has a history of winning elections despite facing strong opposition. Platner’s campaign is fueled by a desire to address issues like rural healthcare, housing affordability, and wasteful foreign spending, representing a challenge to the status quo in Maine.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Maine Democrat Platner Stays in Senate Race After Reddit Posts Surface, Apologizes
AP News reports that Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin stated that controversial online comments made by U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner were wrong and offensive but not disqualifying. The comments, revealed in old Reddit posts, appeared to endorse political violence and criticize various groups. Platner has since apologized, citing post-traumatic stress disorder and depression experienced after leaving the Army, and has highlighted other posts showing his support for veterans and criticism of discrimination. Despite the controversy, some Democratic leaders continue to support Platner, while his political director resigned in response to the unearthed posts.
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