Democrats Defend Maine Senate Candidate Amid Nazi Tattoo Controversy

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner has come under intense scrutiny for a chest tattoo resembling a Nazi SS Totenkopf symbol and past disparaging comments on Reddit, including communist identification and anti-police sentiments. Despite public backlash and calls for accountability, prominent Democrats like Senator Bernie Sanders and Rep. Ro Khanna have defended Platner, emphasizing his personal growth and journey while downplaying the tattoo's significance. Critics argue that Democrats are selectively ignoring Nazi symbolism when it appears on their own candidates, contrasting this with their harsh criticisms of Republicans over similar accusations. Republican strategist Scott Jennings highlighted that Platner retains strong support among the radical left wing of the Democratic Party, who prioritize his anti-establishment stance despite his controversial history and imagery. Platner himself claims ignorance about the tattoo's Nazi associations, attributing it to a drunken mistake, yet the controversy continues to fuel debates about the Democratic Party's tolerance for extreme rhetoric and symbolism within its ranks.