Controversial Past Haunts Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner

Maine Senate Candidate Faces Scrutiny

Graham Platner, the presumptive Democratic nominee for the Senate in Maine, is under fire for his past social media activity. The 41-year-old Marine Corps veteran has been criticized for posts that contained controversial remarks about race, sexuality, and political violence. Platner attributes this behavior to depression and PTSD resulting from his military service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I’m sorry for this. Just know that it’s not reflective at all of who I am,

Platner stated, expressing his regret over his previous online comments.

Controversial Comments Resurface

Although Platner no longer uses the Reddit username “p-Hustle,” his deleted posts have surfaced, drawing criticism amid his campaign. These posts reveal the Democratic candidate expressing views on various sensitive issues. One post asked, “Why don’t black people tip?” referencing racial stereotypes encountered during his time as a bartender.

Use of Offensive Language

Platner’s Reddit activity included derogatory language directed at homosexuals and mentally disabled people. Despite using such slurs, Platner advocated for greater acceptance of homosexuals in the military, highlighting the paradoxical nature of his remarks.

Hostility Towards White America

Another notable post described Platner’s perception that white Americans, particularly in rural areas, match certain negative stereotypes. This has sparked debate about his stance on the electorate he seeks to represent.

Political Extremism and Ideological Shifts

Platner openly expressed a shift towards leftist ideologies, including Marxism. In a post on an anti-work subreddit, he declared, “I got older and became a communist.” He also had associations with the Socialist Rifle Association, distinguishing himself from moderate views typical in Maine.

Comments on Violence and Animals

In September 2013, Platner supported the use of deadly violence for ‘tolerance and humanity,’ responding to an anti-fascist protest in Greece. His remarks about animals, from advocating cruel methods to kill mice to dismissive comments on disabled pets, have raised eyebrows.

Military-Related Comments

In a 2019 post, Platner harshly criticized an American soldier shot by the Taliban, suggesting inadequate tactical skills. The identity of the soldier remains unconfirmed, sparking outrage among veterans and the military community.

Remarks on Latin American Women

Platner mentioned Latin American sex workers in a manner that hinted at personal experience, though it was possibly a joke. His comments have been perceived as disrespectful towards women and minorities.

Bernadette Breslin of the National Republican Senatorial Committee criticized Platner’s past remarks, viewing them as degrading to various communities.

Platner’s campaign has not publicly responded to the renewed focus on his social media past.