Graham Platner Plans to Remove Controversial Nazi Tattoo After Backlash

Strategic Insights -

Graham Platner, a Democrat running to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine, is facing criticism for a tattoo that resembles a Nazi symbol. Platner acknowledged the tattoo on the Pod Save America podcast, claiming he was unaware of its Nazi meaning when he got it nearly two decades ago while serving in Croatia. He stated that he would not have gotten the tattoo if he knew its meaning and accused reporters and DC insiders of insinuating he was aware of the symbol's significance. Platner also announced plans to get the tattoo removed.

Platner's campaign has faced scrutiny over his past comments on social media, including using derogatory language to describe police officers and rural white Americans. His former political director, Genevieve McDonald, resigned from the campaign after past Reddit comments surfaced, in which Platner made inflammatory statements. Platner has since disavowed the comments, attributing them to his "worst internet comment" and claiming they do not reflect his current character.

Key Takeaways:

  • Graham Platner, a Democrat running for Senate in Maine, plans to remove a tattoo that resembles a Nazi symbol after facing backlash.
  • Platner claims he was unaware of the tattoo's Nazi significance when he got it nearly two decades ago while serving in Croatia.
  • The tattoo was never an issue during Platner's Army physical or when he underwent a full background check to receive a security clearance to join the ambassador to Afghanistan's security detail.
  • Platner's campaign has faced scrutiny over his past social media comments, including using derogatory language to describe police officers and rural white Americans.
  • Platner's former political director, Genevieve McDonald, resigned from the campaign after past Reddit comments surfaced, in which Platner made inflammatory statements.
  • Platner has disavowed the comments, attributing them to his "worst internet comment" and stating they do not reflect his current character.
  • The controversy surrounding Platner's tattoo and past comments may impact his Senate campaign against Republican Senator Susan Collins.

Statistics:

  • Platner plans to remove the Nazi tattoo.
  • The tattoo was gotten nearly two decades ago.
  • Platner has been in the military, having served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  • Platner underwent a full background check to receive a security clearance to join the ambassador to Afghanistan's security detail.
  • Platner's former political director, Genevieve McDonald, resigned from the campaign due to past Reddit comments.
  • Platner disavowed the comments, stating they do not reflect his current character.

Sources:

  • Politico: "Graham Platner on Nazi Tattoo: 'I Am Already Planning to Get This Removed'"
  • Twitter: @PodSaveAmerica, @GrahamFormaine, @BurgessEverett
  • The Daily Beast: "Senate Hopeful Says He'll Get Nazi Tattoo Removed"