Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner faces backlash after a resurfaced Reddit post appears to mock a wounded soldier, raising questions about his fitness for office.
Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine, is under fire for a resurfaced Reddit post that seemingly mocks a soldier who was severely injured in combat. The controversy has reignited scrutiny of Platner’s online behavior and its implications for his campaign.
The post in question was made on Platner’s now-deleted Reddit account, which he has confirmed he owned. In June 2019, the account, under the username “P-Hustle,” shared a link to a viral video featuring Pfc. Ted Daniels, who was shot four times by the Taliban during a 2012 engagement. The video, captured from Daniels’ helmet cam, has been widely circulated. The post included derogatory comments about Daniels, stating, “Dumb motherf****** didn’t deserve to live,” and criticized his actions during the firefight.
Daniels, who received a Purple Heart for his injuries, later explained that he deliberately exposed himself to enemy fire to protect his fellow soldiers. While he expressed regret for his tactical decisions, he emphasized his commitment to his unit, stating, “I put my a– on the line for other guys.”
Platner, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, is facing backlash from various quarters, including the National Republican Senate Committee and military veterans. Adam Schwarze, a former Navy SEAL and Marine veteran running for the Senate as a Republican in Minnesota, criticized Platner’s remarks, stating, “We don’t make jokes about our brothers and sisters dying. That’s not something we do, that’s not normal.” Schwarze acknowledged that while military personnel may share a dark sense of humor in private, mocking a wounded soldier publicly crosses a line.
Schwarze also took issue with other posts from Platner’s account, including one that labeled all police as “bastards.” He argued that such statements misrepresent the views of veterans and could be damaging to the relationship between the military and law enforcement. “I served 21 years, nine deployments, and I don’t know one combat veteran who makes comments like cops are bastards,” he said.
Schwarze expressed concern for Platner’s mental health, suggesting he might be struggling with issues stemming from his military service. “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,” he added.
In response to the backlash, Samantha Cantrell, Regional Press Secretary for the National Republican Senate Committee, stated, “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 highlighted the deleted post on social media, criticized Platner’s lack of empathy, stating, “If they’re not good at killing or broader tactics, he has contempt for them. He displays no empathy. The opposite, in fact.”
When approached for comment, Platner’s campaign defended his past posts, asserting that they were intended as jokes. “You should read the comments in context. It’s very clear I’m joking,” Platner previously told Fox News Digital. He described the posts as “s—posting,” a term used to refer to provocative or humorous comments made online to elicit reactions.
Platner has faced scrutiny for other controversial posts as well, including a 2013 comment suggesting that individuals concerned about sexual assault should avoid getting intoxicated to the point of losing control. He has also been criticized for expressing socialist and communist views in earlier posts and for using alleged homophobic slurs.
Despite the controversies, Platner became the presumptive Democratic nominee after his opponent, two-term Governor Janet Mills, ended her campaign last month, trailing in both polling and fundraising. Platner is set to challenge five-term incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in a closely watched race that could significantly impact the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
As the campaign progresses, Platner’s past online behavior and the reactions it has provoked will likely continue to be a focal point in discussions about his candidacy and qualifications for office, according to Fox News.