ME-SEN: Platner says Democratic Party 'trying to destroy my life'

[RandySF]

Graham Platner, the embattled Maine Senate candidate, accused his party of trying to “destroy my life” during a packed town hall Monday night in Damariscotta, Maine.

Platner, an oyster farmer and political newcomer backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), has faced a barrage of news stories about his past offensive online posts since Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) entered the Senate primary earlier this month. Speaking to a supportive crowd, he pinned the blame squarely on the Democratic Party.

“I am running as a Democrat, despite my party trying to destroy my life.” Platner said.

“And I always ask myself, as this gets hard, as my name gets dragged through the mud, as I get accused of being things that I am not and never have been, I have to remind myself that I have no right to quit. I have no right to give up,” he added.


https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5576350-platner-accuses-party-smear-campaign/

[leftstreet]

1. He's running against Collins AND the Democrats?

Apparently.

Graham Platner, after an homage to local favorite daughter Francis Perkins: “If I am any kind of Democrat, I am New Deal Democrat.”

Link to tweet

[questionseverything]

5. Actually he's running against AIPAC, both collins and the governor are AIPAC approved while platner is not

[mcar]

15. AIPAC forced him to get a Nazi tattoo?

And forced him to make racist, sexist and homophobic statements?

Wow, they're not only powerful, they're omniscient.

[GJGCA]

17. It's in the lacing of the boot... (nt)

[agingdem]

6. So Graham..question...

when did it occur to you that a Nazi tattoo and racist/homophobic slurs were maybe not really the Democratic way?...I suspect the answer is when you got caught..and fyi anything you share and then delete online doesn't disappear..the internet is forever!

[JBTaurus83]

29. Being questioned

About things you said and did is now being sabotaged or attacked? I generally consider
myself to be on the left wing of our party, but, this guy seems like a flake. As a resident of PA, I’m getting major Fetterman vibes.

[lostincalifornia]

2. Blaming others on his own actions. Who else does that?

[AZJonnie]

3. This guy seems like a DINO "plant", despite apparently fooling Bernie

"If I am any kind of Democrat" is a giveaway in my book.

[W_HAMILTON]

26. This guy. Fetterman. Gabbard. Turner.

It's looking more like a feature than a bug...

[OneGrassRoot]

36. I'm worried about that too...

I saw one of the Parkland kids (Cameron Kasky?) interviewed and he was asked about this. He had a take that I hadn't considered, and I do wonder if different generations of liberals/progressives will react differently.

He said he wasn't concerned because his is the first generation for whom EVERYTHING is on social media, and that they no doubt made a lot of stupid mistakes and he hopes they'll be granted grace. That makes sense.

HOWEVER, this guy is old enough and the poor judgment involved in how he handled the tattoo (even talking about it and defending it on reddit years ago), combined with his Blackwater interlude, is troubling. And now blaming Dems, maybe he'll back out before having a chance to become a Fetterman.

I appreciate his stances, as I always have with Bernie, too, but sometimes it isn't about "mistakes" as much it is poor judgment and overall worldview issues.

We absolutely need to get away from any whiff of purity politics but his "mistake" in context is troubling about his ability to represent citizens. Wonder how long he has been a registered Dem?

[betsuni]

35. Actually, Sanders core belief is that Democrats ignore the working class but FDR's party was working class.

Calling yourself an FDR Democrat (good, working class, grassroots) means you think regular liberal Democrats (bad corrupt elites) have the same economic policies as Republicans (neoliberal) and are bought (popular bribing boogeymen this year are oligarchs and AIPAC). As long as a candidate repeats the same things, that's all that matters for an endorsement.

In 2025 Both Sides is still being sold to divide the Left!

Sanders: "There was a time -- I think under Roosevelt, maybe even under Truman -- where it was perceived the working class were part of the Democratic Party. I think, for a variety of reasons, a lot having to do with money and politics, that is no longer the case."

Again, it's 2025 and the working class is very different from the '30s. And the Democratic Party has always been the liberal Democratic FDR party.

[AZJonnie]

42. I understand, that's why I only said "If I am any kind of Democrat"

What comes after was not important in my mind. I'm troubled by the inherent question it implies. I guess you might say "IF" is the key word. Well, that and all the other shit coming out about the guy. I don't trust him, even if Bernie approves. And that's not a knock on Bernie, I like Bernie. But he makes mistakes wrt who he aligns himself with somewhat regularly

[Phoenix61]

4. Dang, somebody needs to give him cheese to go with that whine.

Seriously, I like my candidates to be able to adult and not act like a toddler having a tantrum.

[everyonematters]

7. I don't get it.

Platner has disavowed the tattoo and statements made in the past. Mamdani has not disavowed any actions from the past, including, "globalize the intifada". We can't forgive Platner; Mamdani goes unquestioned.

[Maru Kitteh]

14. His claim of over a decade of ignorance of his own tattoo isn't plausible.

I really did want to give the guy a chance. I did. I listen to Jon Lovett’s pod, and Jon was making an argument to just take a step back and not throw Platner under the bus but I just do not trust the guy. He sets off my radar the way John Edwards did.

[karynnj]

18. Lots of errors

First, Mamdani NEVER SAID globalize the intifada he was slow to criticize others who did, but has done that. As to being questioned, what you mention is an example of something he was questioned about.

As he has been the frontrunner, he was the recipient of most of the attacks in the general election debates. Huge numbers of ads have gone after him. The paper of record in NYC has not been friendly. Some high profile Democrats have still not endorsed him.

The difference is he calmly and convincingly answered attacks and is still running ahead.

As to Platner, this response can easily be described as whiny. Did he expect that either no one would see or no one would care about these things? Also, it is too early to see if enough people forgive Platner.

Not to mention it's a big jump from "forgiving" him and backing him for Senate. Each of these things makes his judgment questionable. The comments were not in the long ago past. I've always thought that the truest view of someone is how they act when they think no one is watching. His statements and values expressed as he runs are honed by himself and his team. Is it possible that the comments written on reddit might be not far from who he is.

Not to mention, he has allowed his own story to be somewhat crafted and far from his life story. He grew up wealthy and his family was wealthy going back at least 2 generations.

[everyonematters]

22. It seems Platner has failed some kind of purity test that is administered only by the Democratic base.

Mamdani has refused to condemn the phrase - globalize the intifada, although he has explained why. I do not condemn Mamdani, nor am I supporting him. I don't believe he could win a statewide or national election because of his positions concerning Israel. What he is doing right is emphasizing a desire to make a difference in people's lives. What are you going to do if Platner wins the primary? Are you going to support Collins?

[karynnj]

24. I don't live in Maine, but I would hope he beats Collins

However, I am a liberal Democrat and understand the importance of the vote for majority leader. What I would be afraid of is that many less partisan people than me would stick with their multi term Senator if they are uncomfortable with him.

[obamanut2012]

31. I don't think Nazis or bigots is a "purity test," and am shocked you do

[everyonematters]

38. I can understand people feeling uneasy or doubting him. What I don't understand is the complete rejection since

he has disavowed the tattoo and past statements. In a way Mamdani seems to be being held to a different standard.

[obamanut2012]

30. You need to correct the misinformation in your post

[Polybius]

41. He's a smooth talker, charismatic, and better looking

Sadly, that helps a lot.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

8. oh did the party force him to run with all that baggage?

[Aristus]

9. Or to get that tattoo?

If he's going to blame others for his own misdeeds, then he's better off in the Republican Party.

[thought crime]

10. I've defended Graham Platner in several posts because I think people can just make mistakes

And I was impressed by Platner before all the "controversy".

But, in the spirit of humor "Über alles", here is a related documentary film recently discovered by archeologists working on a battle site near the former russian front:

[EdmondDantes_]

11. If your life can be destroyed by your own actions, maybe it's your own fault

I absolutely believe in redemption, but maybe don't try to start with a high profile thing like running for Senate. Run locally, volunteer with or run a nonprofit.

[Jbraybarten]

12. Was that before or after he talked shit about gays and got a Nazi tattoo?

[karynnj]

13. He apparently doesn't understand that anything a Democrat

doing oppo research can find, the Republicans can find and would use. Did he fail to think that his tattoo, his reddit comments and his time with Blackwater would not surface?

When he complains that these are "things he is not has has never been", he is ignoring that he DID get a Nazi tattoo and kept it for years and he has not disputed the comments were not his. Sorry, people have the right to make inferences from what he has done and said.

As to "not having the right to quit", what is he talking about. He is running for Senator against other Democrats and he hopes against Collins, this is not something he has some divine responsibility to do.

In fact, if polls are done against Collins and he is worse than Mills or generic Democrat, he not only has the right, but possibly the responsibility to quit.

To me the comment on quitting is creepy as if he views himself as messianic or a superhero, who has to win to make things right.

[BannonsLiver]

16. F this guy. More baggage than Samsonite.

[Torchlight]

19. He seems to be learning a poor lesson.

Point at others to deflect consequence and then point at them again for a quick round of "what about X/Y/and/or Z?" shows neither strength nor vision, just excuses.

[SoFlaBro]

20. Who the fuck put that motherfucking tattoo on his chest? Was it fucking his party?

[RandySF]

21. And kept it for years.

Last edited Tue Oct 28, 2025, 03:34 PM - Edit history (1)

[W_HAMILTON]

23. Oh, here we go.

[Cha]

25. Big Mistake Trying to Blame

the Democratic Party for Oppo research.

I read it was CNN reporters who were combing through Reddit accounts, but of course anyone running for Maine Senate would run with it..

"The Situation With the Shirtless Oyster-Farmer Democrat's Nazi Tattoo Is Getting More Ridiculous by the Second"

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2025/10/graham-platner-maine-senate-tattoo-totenkopf.html

A Nazi tattoo can’t keep a good (white) man down

Snip***

He’s not working class.

His mom is an entrepreneur. His dad is an attorney. His grandpa was the modernist architect and furniture designer Warren Platner, who worked with the firm that, among other things, designed Dulles International Airport and a college at Yale. (There are chairs, literal chairs, named after him.) Graham Platner started up his oyster farm with the family’s financial assistance. And that’s not even the best part.

https://www.editorialboard.com/a-nazi-tattoo-cant-keep-a-good-white-man-down/

Slate won't let me in again.. I've been there too many times I hope anyone else can read it.. It's an interesting, comprehensive article. .

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=20744711

[Patton French]

27. I think he's doing that just fine without anyone's help

NT

[Initech]

28. Did we force you to get a Nazi tattoo?

[Skittles]

32. well then FUCKING LEAVE

and JOIN THE PARTY THAT SUITS RACIST POS NAZIS

[Cha]

33. Did the Dem Party make him run as "Working Class.. "

When Clearly he's Not.

Snip***

He’s not working class.

His mom is an entrepreneur. His dad is an attorney. His grandpa was the modernist architect and furniture designer Warren Platner, who worked with the firm that, among other things, designed Dulles International Airport and a college at Yale. (There are chairs, literal chairs, named after him.) Graham Platner started up his oyster farm with the family’s financial assistance. And that’s not even the best part.

https://www.editorialboard.com/a-nazi-tattoo-cant-keep-a-good-white-man-down/

[yorkster]

34. Oyster farmer should clam up.

Stop musseling in where there are already
plenty of fish in the stew. Cod cheeks aren't scallops, doncha know.

Sorry, I'm losing it. Just want him to go away.

[sheshe2]

37. A new KFILE investigation uncovers deleted social posts that undercut claims

KFILE unearths new evidence that undercuts Dem candidate's claim he was not aware tattoo was tied to Nazi symbolism

A new KFILE investigation uncovers deleted social posts that undercut claims by Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner after he announced this week that he covered up a Nazi-linked tattoo on his chest, claiming he didn't know the meaning when he got it.

4:26 • Source: CNN

Video at the link.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/24/us/video/kfile-graham-platner-nazi-tattoo-deleted-social-posts-ebof

[republianmushroom]

39. Running as one and be one can be two different things.

There are plenty DINO now. IMO

[QueerDuck]

40. Whaaaaaaa! 😢😥

[rogue emissary]

43. "destroy my life"

What can really destroy your life is your so uncurious. You had a Nazi tattoo for eighteen years and never researched the image. Then running around boosting of your ignorance.

That's exactly what I want in a government official. A complete lack inquisitiveness.

[MichMan]

44. No one would have known that Platner had that tattoo had that old video of him shirtless not surfaced

Should all future political candidates be forced to reveal any tattoos just so we know ?

[RandySF]

45. I think a candidate should have the self awareness to be proactive in dealing with potentially negative information.