Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is facing renewed scrutiny over past online posts, including a newly uncovered Reddit comment mocking a teenage girl's suicide attempt. The post, attributed to Platner's former username "P-Hustle," responded to a 2012 thread about a high school student who attempted suicide. The original post described how classmates saved the girl, to which the account replied, "Someone clearly isn't trying hard enough."
The revelation follows previous reports of inflammatory remarks Platner allegedly made on Reddit, including comments calling rural White Americans "racist and stupid," posts promoting racial stereotypes, remarks blaming victims of rape, and comments advocating political violence. Platner has also faced criticism for a tattoo he covered up, which some outlets described as resembling a Nazi symbol.
Reactions and Context
Political Backlash: Republican leaders, including Maine State House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham and Maine Republican Party Executive Director Jason Savage, condemned Platner's comments. Faulkingham called them "deep and disturbing psychological issues," while Savage described them as "another example of abject cruelty." Former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer also weighed in, criticizing Platner's behavior.
Platner's Campaign: Platner has not publicly addressed the latest Reddit post but has previously vowed to hold President Trump's "criminal enterprise" accountable. Trump, in response, praised Senator Susan Collins and called Platner "a thug."
Media Coverage: Reports on Platner's past online activity have varied in focus. Some outlets emphasize his controversial Reddit history, while others highlight his tattoo and its implications. The debate over whether the tattoo is Nazi-related has also drawn attention, with some outlets describing it as resembling a Nazi symbol and others suggesting it may have been a mistake.
Broader Implications: The revelations come as Platner prepares to face Senator Collins in the upcoming election. His campaign has been marked by controversy, including the tattoo and past online remarks, which opponents argue reflect poorly on his character and fitness for office.