Democratic Chair Says Maine Senate Candidate’s Past Online Comments Were “Offensive” but Not Disqualifying

Old social media posts from Maine Democratic Senate candidate 👤Graham Platner—in which he appeared to endorse political violence, dismiss rape in the military, and criticize police officers and rural America—have resurfaced, drawing widespread criticism but not condemnation from national Democratic leaders.

According to The Associated Press, Platner, who is running to unseat longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins, faces a competitive Democratic primary field that includes Maine Gov. Janet Mills, who entered the race last week.

The controversial posts, made between 2013 and 2021 on Reddit, were first reported by CNN and have since been deleted. Despite the backlash, Democratic National Committee Chair 👤Ken Martin said Sunday on CNN’s State of the Union that he doesn’t believe the posts are “disqualifying.”

“I don’t think they’re disqualifying, but certainly they’re not right,” Martin said. “And I’m glad that he apologized for them. They’re indefensible, they’re hurtful, and they’re offensive.”

Platner posted a video apology Friday on social media, saying the comments were made after leaving the Army in 2012, during a time when he was struggling with PTSD and depression.

“I’m sorry for this. Just know that it’s not reflective at all of who I am,” Platner said. “I don’t want you to judge me on the dumbest thing I ever wrote on the internet. I would prefer if people could judge me on the person I am today.”