Key facts
- Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner faces allegations of explicit texts and a Nazi-linked tattoo.
- An internal poll shows a tightening race between Graham Platner and Senator Susan Collins.
- Sen. Bernie Sanders commented on Graham Platner's controversies, including infidelity and past social media posts.
- President Donald Trump suggested Hunter Biden could run for president in 2028, comparing him to Graham Platner.
- New York Times panelists debated Graham Platner's image and its place in Trump-era politics.
- James Carville defended Graham Platner, comparing support for him to the U.S. allying with Stalin.
- Rep. Brad Schneider criticized Graham Platner's claim of ignorance regarding his Nazi-linked tattoo.
- A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates voters prioritize stopping the opposing party over candidate purity.
- Several Democratic senators declined to state their support for Graham Platner amid new allegations.
- Graham Platner obtained his Nazi-linked tattoo in 2007 and covered it after it became a campaign issue.
- Ro Khanna defended Graham Platner, stating his past statements do not represent his current views.
- The Wall Street Journal profiled activists supporting Graham Platner's rise.
Maine oyster farmer Graham Platner is at the center of a political storm as he vies for a Democratic Senate seat, facing a barrage of allegations concerning his past behavior. These include reports of sending explicit texts to women while married, controversial social media posts, and a tattoo resembling Nazi insignia, which he obtained in 2007 and later covered. Despite these scandals, an internal poll indicates a tightening race against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, suggesting Platner may be losing ground ahead of the June 9 primary, though he still holds a significant lead in other polls.
Prominent political figures have weighed in on Platner's controversies. Sen. Bernie Sanders has commented on the infidelity and past social media issues. Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville defended Platner, comparing support for him to the U.S. allying with Stalin in World War II, while also praising Platner's military service and criticizing Senator Collins. Rep. Brad Schneider criticized Platner's claim of ignorance regarding his Nazi-linked tattoo, stating Platner likely knew its meaning. President Donald Trump speculated that Hunter Biden might run for president in 2028, drawing a parallel to Platner's competitive standing despite numerous controversies. New York Times Opinion panelists debated Platner's 'dirtbag' image in the context of Trump-era politics, comparing him to figures like John Fetterman and Donald Trump.
Several Democratic senators have largely evaded questions regarding their support for Platner following the surfacing of explicit sexual messages. While some, like Sen. Ed Markey, expressed opposition to Donald Trump, others, including Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Chris Coons, and Brian Schatz, deferred to Maine voters or declined to comment. The broader electorate appears to prioritize stopping the opposing party from winning power over candidate purity, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, indicating that partisan divides may insulate candidates from the impact of controversies.
Congressman Ro Khanna has defended Platner, a former policy advisor, stating that Platner's past statements do not reflect his current views or his work as an advisor, and defending his support despite allegations of misogynistic actions. The Wall Street Journal's Aaron Zitner profiled the independent activists supporting Platner's political ascent in Maine. The outcome of Platner's primary race could have implications for the Democratic Party's bid for Senate control.