SouthernWorldwide.com – Senator Bernie Sanders was recently captured on camera engaging with a reporter, expressing frustration over questions regarding posts made by Maine Senate candidate, David Platner.
Sanders, who had endorsed Platner in August 2025, appeared agitated when questioned about the resurfaced Reddit posts. The Vermont senator’s reaction highlighted the growing scrutiny surrounding Platner’s past online activity.
Several other Democratic senators also chose not to comment on Platner’s Reddit posts and their potential impact on his Senate campaign. Some stated they had not seen the posts, while others simply declined to offer any remarks.
Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, when asked about the matter, stated, “I haven’t seen it. I’m not following it. Sorry.” This response indicated a lack of familiarity with the specific details of the controversy.
Senator Angus King of Maine, who is not affiliated with a party but caucuses with the Democrats, expressed his policy of non-interference in state-level elections. “I’m not going to take any position in that election,” King said. “That’s my practice since I’ve been in the Senate.”
Similarly, Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii was hesitant to comment when asked about Platner’s posts. “On whose?” Hirono inquired, before stating, “No, I’m not gonna get into that.” Her reaction suggested a desire to avoid engaging with the sensitive topic.
Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon emphasized that the decision regarding Platner’s candidacy rests with the voters of Maine. “The people of Maine get to choose who they want to represent them in the U.S. Senate,” Merkley stated. “And so I encourage you to interview the people in Maine, because that’s what a democracy is all about.”
Merkley further elaborated, “I have not seen his post, so I’m not going to be able to be in a position to evaluate them.” This stance underscored a belief in local democratic processes and a reluctance to pass judgment without direct knowledge.
Read more : A's $2B Las Vegas Stadium Project On Schedule for 2028
Platner has been subjected to intense scrutiny following the resurfacing of since-deleted Reddit posts. These posts reportedly range from discussions about masturbating in portable toilets to mocking a wounded U.S. soldier who received the Purple Heart.
These newly unearthed comments are part of a larger collection of Platner’s past Reddit activity. Previously exposed posts included remarks seemingly blaming rape victims for their assaults and expressions of admiration for Hamas’s tactics.
One of the resurfaced posts attributed to Platner reads, “I still have to jerk off every time I sit in a portas—-er… that blue water smell conditioned me.” This quote exemplifies the nature of some of the controversial content.
Platner has previously addressed some of these past statements, attributing them to a difficult period in his life following his military service. He cited his experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a contributing factor to his past behavior.
Platner served three tours in Iraq with the Marine Corps and one tour in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army. His military background has been a significant part of his public persona.
The controversial comments were made under the Reddit account “P-Hustle,” which Platner has acknowledged as his own. The posts span a period from 2009 to as recently as 2021. An extensive archive of over 2,000 posts is reportedly available in the Maine Monitor database.
Merkley, when asked again about Platner’s situation, reiterated his belief in the voters’ judgment. “He’s explained his journey and his evolution and his PTSD from the war, and again, I think it’s a judgment that should be rendered by the people of Maine,” Merkley commented.
