Graham Platner Defends Against Nazi Allegations Amid Campaign for Senate

Graham Platner, a candidate for one of Maine’s U.S. Senate seats, has publicly denied allegations that he harbors Nazi sympathies following the emergence of a controversial tattoo. The tattoo, resembling the Nazi SS death head known as the Totenkopf, appeared in a family video from 2007 showing Platner shirtless while singing at his brother’s wedding.

In an interview with Tommy Vietor on the “Pod Save America” podcast, Platner asserted, “I am not a secret Nazi.” He explained that he acquired the tattoo nearly two decades ago while serving as a Marine in Croatia and was intoxicated at the time. According to Politico, Platner and his fellow Marines chose the skull and crossbones design for its fearsome appearance, unaware of its Nazi connections. “I absolutely would not have gone through this life having this on my chest if I knew that,” he stated, describing the insinuation as “disgusting.” He has expressed intentions to remove the tattoo.

Controversial Social Media Posts Resurface

The allegations surrounding Platner extend beyond the tattoo. He faced scrutiny over past social media posts in which he allegedly referred to himself as a “communist” and made derogatory remarks about police. These posts, which Platner has since deleted, reignited discussions about his suitability for public office. Despite this, Ken Martin, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, indicated that these comments do not disqualify him from seeking election.

In response to the backlash, Platner released a video apologizing for the posts. He aims to succeed Susan Collins, the incumbent Republican senator who has held the position since 1997. Platner is competing for the Democratic nomination against other notable candidates, including Janet Mills, the Governor of Maine.

Platner’s campaign continues to navigate the fallout from these controversies as he seeks to position himself as a viable candidate for the Senate. His defense against the allegations and the steps he plans to take in light of the resurfaced posts will likely play a significant role in shaping public perception in the lead-up to the election.