SouthernWorldwide.com – A recently resurfaced Reddit post attributed to Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, has reignited controversy. The post, which appears to mock a wounded soldier, has drawn significant criticism.
Platner has acknowledged owning the Reddit account “P-Hustle.” In June 2019, this account shared a viral video of Pfc. Ted Daniels, who was shot four times during a 2012 clash with Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. Daniels was awarded a Purple Heart for his injuries.
The deleted post read, “Dumb motherf****** didn’t deserve to live. At least his stupidity and fat ass wheezing are available for all future infantrymen to witness and hold in contempt. Poor marksmanship on the Taliban’s part is the only reason this mouthbreather made it home, he managed to make every possible shit decision possible when it comes to small unit combat.”
While the post was deleted, it is now available in the Maine Monitor’s database of Platner’s past Reddit activity. This is not the first time Platner’s online history has caused problems for his campaign.
Previously unearthed posts showed the Democratic hopeful praising vulgar graffiti and making crude admissions. These revelations have added to the scrutiny surrounding his candidacy.
In subsequent interviews, Pfc. Ted Daniels explained that he deliberately moved into an exposed position to draw enemy fire away from his fellow soldiers. While he admitted that tactically it was not the wisest move and expressed some embarrassment, he emphasized that he “put my a– on the line for other guys.”
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Adam Schwarze, a former Navy SEAL and Marine veteran running as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota, commented on Platner’s post. He stated, “We don’t make jokes about our brothers and sisters dying, that’s not something we do, that’s not normal.” Schwarze highlighted the difference between private military banter and public mockery of a wounded service member.
Schwarze acknowledged that Marines can sometimes employ a “dark” sense of humor and engage in candid tactical discussions amongst themselves. However, he differentiated Platner’s post as something beyond that.
“We don’t post about our brothers getting wounded in action,” Schwarze reiterated.
Schwarze also expressed concern over other posts from Platner’s account that targeted law enforcement, including the sentiment that “all police are bastards.” He noted that many law enforcement officers are themselves former active-duty military personnel.
“I think it’s very dangerous to say, ‘Hey, this is how veterans think and talk’ because that’s just not true,” Schwarze asserted. “I served 21 years, nine deployments, I don’t know one combat veteran who makes comments like cops are bastards.”
Schwarze suggested that Platner might be dealing with “mental issues.” He expressed sympathy, stating, “I feel bad for him. I think he should get some help. He deserves help from his time down range, from his PTSD and his mental health issues, but he certainly shouldn’t be running for the United States Senate.”
Samantha Cantrell, NRSC Regional Press Secretary, issued a strong statement. “Anyone who makes fun of the American soldiers who gave their lives for freedom and cheers on terrorists has no place serving in the United States Senate.”
Journalist Magdi Jacobs, who first brought the deleted Reddit entry to public attention on social media, commented on X (formerly Twitter). She wrote, “That’s what Platner thinks about his fellow Americans at war. If they’re not good at killing or broader tactics, he has contempt for them. He displays no empathy. The opposite, in fact.”
Platner, a first-time candidate, has received endorsements from progressive figures like Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. When previously confronted about his social media posts, Platner has often claimed he was joking.
Other controversial posts Platner has faced scrutiny for include a 2013 entry, which he later deleted, suggesting that individuals concerned about rape should not “get so f—ed up they wind up having sex with someone they don’t mean to.” This comment was discussed in a recent interview with The New York Times.
More recent Reddit posts have also drawn criticism. Approximately five years ago, Platner described himself as a “communist” and “socialist.” Furthermore, his posts have allegedly contained homophobic slurs and expressed admiration for tactics employed by Hamas.
Platner secured the Democratic nomination after his primary opponent, Governor Janet Mills, withdrew from the race. Mills, a two-term governor, trailed Platner in recent polling and fundraising efforts.
Platner is now set to challenge five-term incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in what is anticipated to be a closely watched election. The outcome of this race could significantly influence the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
