Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner Apologizes for Controversial Past Reddit Posts Amid Campaign

Graham Platner, a Democratic Senate candidate in Maine, is facing scrutiny over past controversial Reddit posts from 2013 to 2021 in which he made offensive remarks about race, police, and rural white Americans. Platner has apologized for these posts, explaining they reflected a difficult period marked by PTSD and depression after his military service in Iraq and Afghanistan, and asserted that the comments do not represent who he is today. He defended some posts as attempts to provoke reactions rather than genuine beliefs and shared that his views have evolved significantly, including efforts to encourage veterans to seek mental health support. Platner also addressed controversy over a chest tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, stating it was acquired impulsively while drunk and disavowing any Nazi affiliation. Despite criticism and some campaign staff resignations, Platner has received endorsements, including from Senator Bernie Sanders, and emphasized his commitment to working-class issues and mental health advocacy in his Senate bid. Democratic leaders acknowledged the offensiveness of his past posts but did not deem them disqualifying, highlighting his apology and current positions.