SouthernWorldwide.com – Veterans are strongly condemning Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner following the resurfacing of his past online posts. These posts reportedly characterized the Army as “full of fat, lazy trash” and included mockery of a soldier who had been shot multiple times in combat and subsequently awarded the Purple Heart.
The 173rd Airborne Brigade, known as “The Herd,” was among the initial ground combat units deployed to Vietnam. This brigade faced some of the most intense fighting of the war.
One veteran, who chose to remain anonymous, shared his perspective. He stated, “I understand ridicule better than most. I was ridiculed not only as a Vietnam veteran, but as a black man as well.” He added, “I lost friends over there, and it still hurts to talk about them. I often ask God, ‘Why did You spare me and not my friends?’ I believe God wasn’t done with me when I came home, and that’s why I continue trying to make a difference today.”
This veteran emphasized the impact of such remarks. “That is why comments like Graham’s are so offensive,” he concluded.
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The strong criticism directed at Platner escalates the controversy surrounding his now-deleted Reddit account. Platner, a former oyster farmer, is aiming to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine in the 2026 Senate race, a contest drawing significant national attention. Platner has frequently highlighted his military service in his campaign appeals to Maine voters.
However, these unearthed posts pose a substantial risk to his candidacy. They bring scrutiny to his use of offensive language, his past political leanings, and his criticisms of the armed forces.
One of Platner’s most contentious Reddit posts, dating back to 2019, targeted a soldier who had been shot four times by the Taliban in 2012. Platner’s comment on combat footage posted by another user was particularly harsh.
“Dumb motherf—er didn’t deserve to live. At least his stupidity and fat a– wheezing are available for all future infantrymen to witness and hold in contempt,” Platner wrote. He further added, “Poor marksmanship on the Taliban’s part is the only reason this mouthbreather made it home.”
The video Platner was commenting on was captured by the helmet camera of U.S. Army veteran Ted Daniels. Daniels was indeed shot four times during his service and was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery and injuries.
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Platner’s deleted forum posts also revealed a broader disdain for the Army. He wrote in April 2019, “I spent another 4 in the Army after the Corps, and while I was very lucky to serve in some sh–t hot units with good dudes, as a whole the organization is absolute trash.” He elaborated, “As an organization it’s awful. Full of fat, lazy trash who would rather not be in uniform.”
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John Rourke, a retired Army staff sergeant who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, echoed the sentiments of other veterans. He stated that Platner’s mockery does not make him “edgy or tough” but rather “a disgrace to the uniform.”
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Several potential future colleagues in the Senate, who themselves have military backgrounds, have also voiced their condemnation of Platner’s remarks. Senator Joni Ernst, who served 23 years in the Army Reserve and Iowa Army National Guard, including a deployment in Kuwait during Operation Iraqi Freedom, has spoken out.
Senator Tom Cotton, an Army infantry officer with combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, has also been critical.
“Let’s see the courageous Democrat vets defend this one … can’t wait to hear it,” stated Senator Tim Sheehy, a retired Navy SEAL from Montana, commenting on Platner’s remarks. He added, “This guy has failed that test.”
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The controversy surrounding Platner’s online activity continues to grow, casting a shadow over his Senate aspirations. The resurfaced posts have ignited a firestorm of criticism from veterans and political figures alike, questioning his fitness for public office and his respect for military service.
