Sanders Faces Calls to Retract Endorsement of Maine Senate Candidate Amid Nazi Tattoo Controversy

Senator Bernie Sanders continues to support Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, who is running to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine, despite controversy over Platner's past social media posts and a tattoo resembling Nazi symbolism. Platner's tattoo, a skull and crossbones that resembles the Nazi SS Totenkopf emblem, was obtained during his time in the U.S. Marine Corps, which Platner claims he did not understand the full meaning of at the time. Sanders praised Platner's military service and courage in running for office, dismissing the criticism and focusing on the need for candidates willing to challenge the establishment. However, Vermont GOP Chair Paul Dame and other critics have called on Sanders to explain or retract his endorsement due to Platner's past offensive comments about race, sexual assault, and his tattoo. Platner has apologized for his past remarks, attributing some to immature behavior, but controversy remains, with some Democrats withdrawing their support. Sanders has condemned the campaign finance system but remains steadfast in backing Platner, emphasizing the importance of fighting for working-class interests.