Do you support Janet Mills or Graham Platner for Maine Democratic senatorial candidate?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

165 votes, 19 passes | Time left: Unlimited
	Mills
	131 (79%)
	Platner
	22 (13%)
	Other
	12 (7%)
	19 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided.
Show usernames Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll

[Blue_Adept]

1. I was interested in seeing Platner over the course of the primary

But the stacking up of awfulness, culminating in his tattoo debacle, disqualifies him in my mind.

This is a pretty badly done poll as well as there are like eight or nine candidates running on the Democratic side. Good to see we're erasing them from view here.

[lostincalifornia]

4. I think Platner has major emotional stability issues.

[Blue_Adept]

6. I'm just baffled at people seemingly okay with normalizing nazi tattoos

My time calling myself a Democrat may be coming to an end if that's the case.

[leftstreet]

7. No one is doing that

FFS

People are largely saying it's sad that it happened, or that he was dumb to let it happen, or whatever

NO ONE is saying Democrats should embrace Nazi tattoos

[Shrek]

9. It should also be disqualifying

It certainly would be for a non-Democrat.

[EdmondDantes_]

20. To me, there's an element of plausible deniability on the tattoo

I haven't seen it in clear resolution, but without there being other evidence that he's a nazi, I can see saying if he gets it covered/removed, that it was a mistake in selecting that design and moving on. But coupled with his other issues, I would be hard pressed to vote for him in the primary. But I'm not a voter in Maine, so I don't have to make a decision and my opinion is pretty irrelevant.

There's also making a clear distinction between us and the way the "young" Republicans group chat went.

It definitely underscores the idea that you should only get a tattoo after careful research and sober decision making if it was a drunken mistake without any knowledge of the nazi association.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

22. He minimized sexual assault and suggested Black people were penurious

[EdmondDantes_]

26. Yep. He's got a lot that's problematic

I do think probably some of it is related to military service and not having the appropriate mental health work. It's got to be a toll on one's mental health to be deployed.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

33. He has a lot of issues.

[JustAnotherGen]

41. I don't see any difference between

This Plattner guy and Fetterman, Manchin, or Sinema.

But eh? What do I know? The Democratic 'non-estblishment' isn't interested with what Black women have to say these days. They don't give a fuck about us or the sense of 'threat' someone with his background inspires in minorities.

[Keepthesoulalive]

110. It lets us know who our allies are

A lot of folks would silence us to feel comfortable and that’s right here. There is never an excuse for racism, sexism, religious intolerance of all types meaning people can be non believers. The lack of moral clarity and integrity is very disappointing.

[Wednesdays]

159. Penurious.

Now, that's a word I had to go look up.

Dictionary.com:

1. extremely stingy; parsimonious; miserly.
Synonyms: close, tight
Antonyms: generous

2. extremely poor; destitute; indigent.

3. poorly or inadequately supplied; lacking in means or resources.

The first definition has me scratching my head, because that's not a stereotype of African-Amercians I've ever seen.
Second definition is more common as a stereotype, and yes, there are many African-Americans living in poverty. Is he saying that's their fault?

[Bluetus]

66. I also have not seen it in ANY resolution, and I get the feeling that ...

nobody here has actually seen it, and are just reacting to things they have heard. If somebody has actually seen a clear photo of the tattoo in question before it was recently altered, pleas post a link. Without that, this just smells like a smear campaign, and that call into question all the other criticisms of him.

Nobody here (I assume) wants another Fetterman, and nobody wants a candidate that has a clear pattern of subjugating woman and all the other things accused here. But in a world full of malicious bots, we owe it to Plattner to actually demand evidence before throwing him under the bus.

And if it is a smear campaign, who is doing that and why?

[Keepthesoulalive]

109. What has he done

Not what he said to prove he is a progressive democrat. There is something wrong because I’m looking to see what he stands for and what he hopes to accomplish. No buzz or suck up words a real plan.

[Bluetus]

111. We should be demanding real plans and real goals from EVERY candidate

Last edited Sat Oct 25, 2025, 12:24 PM - Edit history (1)

For 40 years, Dems have been advised by campaign managers to say nothing specific. It is a real sickness. I agree Plattner's speeches are more about things that he thinks are wrong and less about what he is willing to fight hard to accomplish. We need to push ALL Democrats to get behind a plan and fight for it.

For example, there is a list going around that looks like a very good starting point. It is action-oriented and everything on that list is very popular with the public, or would be with even a small amount of coordinated effort from Dem candidates:

Overturn Citizens United
No personal use of PAC money, even after retiring
Codify Women's Right to Choose
Term Limits and highest code of ethics for SCOTUS
Get Rid of the Electoral College
Outlaw Gerrymandering Nationwide
Return Fairness Doctrine in Media
Universal Healthcare for ALL
Ban Stock Trading While in Congress
5 year wait before taking jobs in industries overseen/regulated when in office
Cap Congress Salary at 1.5x Median Income of Their District
Tax Billionaires Out of Existence
Tax Unrealized Gains Used as Loan Collateral
Tax Mega-Churches involved in political activity
Raise Federal Minimum Wage to $20/hr
Eliminate the Presidential pardon privilege

[Keepthesoulalive]

112. I asked

What has he done? You gave me a list of what you would like to see but I want to see his past accomplishments.

[Bluetus]

113. It is a fair question of any candidate

But it is just as important to ask what they are committed to doing. Dems can tell you everything they don't like, but they rarely will say anything specific that they are committed to getting done.

When they complain about the things they don't like, this resonates only with the 25% that identify with the Party. To reach the 50% that don't identify with either party, you don't "go to the middle". You must be very clear with them what you are committed to doing. They left the party in the first place because they didn't believe the Party was committed to anything in particular.

Personally, that commitment is the first thing I want to see. Once I see what they are committing to do, then it becomes relevant to ask if they have the experience, skills, relationships, etc to get some of it done.

[Keepthesoulalive]

114. Please tell me

What he has accomplished. Whataboutism is not an answer. I need a list of his accomplishments, that will tell me who he is and what he stands for for.

[Bluetus]

117. If you are looking for school board, county party chair, dogcatcher

and all the "normal" steps into politics, I'll concede he has little of that. And I am not saying Plattner is the best that Maine could run, but Mainers, as of this week, favor him over the 77-year old who has been a middle-of-the-road party apparatchik, as far as I can tell.

I don't want ANY boomers in office at this stage. It is time to hand the baton to younger generations. I mean GenX-ers are on average 53 years old today. That's not exactly young. Millennials are 37 on average. That's plenty old enough to have gained some life wisdom while also understanding the needs of younger people.

Simple things like the cost of housing and the cost of higher education are completely different today from what Boomers experienced. It is the rare Boomer who is grounded in today's reality.

[Keepthesoulalive]

126. I am not concerned about age

I am concerned about his character. Because you are young does not give you a pass for your racism and antisemitism there are many young men who want to burn it down because they aren’t lords of the universe, it appears he might be one of them. The men who have won the presidency under the age of 60 had some political experience. The only reason you have given me for your support is his age. Please let me remind you the majority of young white men including those that supported Bernie voted for trump. The tech titans who are young supported him. The country is screwed and young males had a hand in it. I want to know where he stands and if he can’t tell me , he’s just another Sinema.

[Bluetus]

147. It is not a binary choice

Mills' age alone should be disqualifying, IMHO. Maybe Mainers ultimately won't find that disqualifying, but at the moment, they prefer the oyster farmer with minimal political experience over the 88-year-old who has a long resume.

That doesn't mean that Plattner is the answer by default. Certainly his character, readiness, and ideas should all be scrutinized.

Maybe there is another person somewhere in Maine who would be better than Collins, Mills or Plattner.

[Keepthesoulalive]

150. I understand racism is not important to some people

But anyone who spots racist Nazi shit is a no go. You can sanitize it but I am living it. I want him to stand up for our constitution and not yank people off the street for being brown. This man has shown you who he is and you do not have a problem, you minimize his thinly veiled misogyny. We are screwed and a lot of it is because of puffed up boy men like him. I get that you do not stand with me . This train wreck did not start with the boomers, it started when Americans became comfortable with othering and not paying attention to the rich folks who were slowly getting stronger and quietly robbing you.

[Bluetus]

156. I didn't say we should ignore it

Last edited Mon Oct 27, 2025, 12:56 PM - Edit history (1)

But there is a risk of being hyper-sensitive to an issue that may not really be there. I believe that tendency toward the drama and hypersensitivity is one of the turn-offs that makes it so difficult for Dems to win elections when we favor policies that the public agrees with to the tune of 60%, 70%, even 80%.

And our tendency to allow the boomer generation to continue be the sole representation of our Party is another of those turn-offs.

I want to win elections. We can't help anybody with special interest concerns if we can't win elections. That does not mean we should be willing to accept weak, unqualified, deceptive, misguided, inexperienced, corrupt or just plain evil candidates. I am simply saying you are focusing on some details that may be overblown, and are very likely the result of an organized campaign from within other factions of the Party, just as we have seen in NYC. We owe it to all Dems everywhere to not allow the old guard to kneecap younger people in order for the old guard to remain in control of a diminishing enterprise.

I am 100% for scrutinizing and vetting Plattner. And I am 100% against promoting an 88-year old for a term in the Senate. The best answer may be "neither of the above".

[Keepthesoulalive]

157. Again I'm asking for credentials

I go to meetings and young people don’t show up. You have a very narrow focus and you minimize my concerns. I want to win and I include everyone black, white, straight, gay ,trans, women, men, every religion, old , young, children, immigrants and I might not get all the people but I think you get where I’m going. The world does not revolve around young white males and if many of you guys gave a hoot about anything other than yourselves we might change this nation. You have a stick in your bum about boomers, go to the meetings run qualified young candidates put in the work to make this better for everyone instead of pointing fingers. No nazis, no racists, no christo fascists ,no haters.

[betsuni]

161. Yes!

Being extremely critical, pessimistic, purity testing, predicting the worst about Democrats trying to govern while assuming passionate always-right moral clarity populist heroes can do Utopia overnight with simple & easy solutions Democrats refuse to do because they're corrupt and old and stuff.

[Blue_Adept]

10. "I can excuse the reddit posts"

"I can excuse his time in Blackwater"

"I can excuse the nazi tattoo."

That's exactly what's happening.

[leftstreet]

12. Well, the party will miss you

If this leads to you no longer being able to call yourself a Democrat

[obamanut2012]

34. Yes, they are

On here, on Reddit, on FB, on BlueSky. And they are liberals doing it.

[leftstreet]

38. Meh

I don't think they're "normalizing" it

Overlooking because of his past, cringing but willing to give him another chance, etc etc etc

I've seen no one suggesting all Democrats should find a nazi tattoo the new normal standard

[iemanja]

53. He is actively choosing to keep the tattoo.

Rather than cover it up or remove it, as thousands upon thousands of people do all the time. It is not a youthful indiscretion. It is an ongoing advertisement of how he chooses to present himself.

[Jack Valentino]

100. Since when ??? I heard he stated that he would have it removed...

[iemanja]

101. He had it done over on Tuesday

of this week, only after media attention. He kept it for several years.

[Jack Valentino]

105. yeah.... and was hardly ever shirtless in public where anyone would see it, either...

until someone could dig up an old video...


but now I have other problems with him, more on his Reddit posts than the tattoo...
but it all starts to add up. My previous excitement and interest in him is diminished...

I'll leave it up to actual Democratic primary voters in Maine to sort out---
which the very vast majority of those posting for one side or the other on this board
are NOT.

[Quiet Em]

108. He didn't have to get that tattoo, Jack

and he didn't have to keep it for years, and I'm not even sure what he has done to cover it up. Did he cover it with a sharpie pen drawing? This guy is not ok or acceptable. C'mon now. He did this. He's being confronted about it. He's not a victim.

[karynnj]

72. He did this and wrote the other things as an adult

The point is it is not just one lapse in good judgement, it is many very different things that were disgusting.

One question I have is what is special enough about him to make it possible to think he is the best in spite of all this?

[Big Blue Marble]

32. Yes.

We do not need another Fetterman.

[niyad]

155. According to his wiki bio, he was diagnosed with PTSD after his

military service. On the other hand, part of that bio is a work of fiction, so who knows?

[Bluetus]

14. The Fetterman syndrome

But surely, a party that is struggling so much with the image of being run by a bunch of really old people who are mostly out of touch with the American public, ought to be able to do better than a woman who would be 84 at the end of her first term.

Is there really not a single strong progressive anywhere in Maine who has some charisma and a good grasp of the issues?

[Blue_Adept]

16. Like I said, there's something like 8 people running in the primary

But the poll here just goes for the mills/platner approach.

[Bluetus]

21. Plattner looks like a drip-drip-drip candidate

Mills is who she is. She could win a seat which is important. But in doing so, this just reinforces the worst image of the party, being old and out of touch.

What do we know about the other 6? Is there anybody else that can win if given sufficient support and money? Is there anybody else with some charisma and a populist position?

[DFW]

61. "Out of touch?"

You think Janet is out of touch? When is the last time you talked to her and got that impression?

[Blue_Adept]

40. she's 77 now

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janet_Mills

[iemanja]

54. People aren't voting until 2026

Certainly others can emerge.

[JI7]

56. They have had younger candidates and they lost

[Bluetus]

59. Youth isn't the only requirement

We need good progressive fighters who will do their part carrying a national message of populism. Call me ageist, but I don't believe anybody can do this at the age of Mills or Bernie for that matter (and I'm only a few years younger then those two.)

Are we really saying that there is nobody in the 1.4 million Maine citizens who can win this election fighting for what we used to call "traditional Democratic values", and have a strong appeal to the younger generations?

That would be really depressing to hear.

P.S. Let's not forget that Collins would be nearly 80 by the end of her next term. Don't Mainers want representatives who are more connected to the 21st century?

[JI7]

67. They vote for Collins because she brings home the "pork".

[Bluetus]

69. It is the job of the challenger to show that Collins is actually aiding Trump

in loading up the average citizens with enormous debt and expenses while giving 90% of the pork to the billionaire class.

We have to make our case in every state. We can't keep running milquetoast candidates who avoid taking strong positions and then expect to win with a real mandate for change.

[JI7]

70. You assume people share your views

Actually that's what many so called progressives think. Tear down other Democrats while supporting people like Platner .

[Bluetus]

93. Funny you should say that, because there is a new poll

and it sure looks like the majority of Mainers *DO*, in fact, share my views on this -- by a huge margin: 58-24%
https://www.newsweek.com/graham-platners-chances-of-beating-janet-mills-in-maine-amid-controversy-10929413

But that does not mean we should not ask questions about both candidates. I don't want another octogenarian in the Senate making it ever more difficult to appeal to the following 3 generations who have a much greater stake in the decisions we make as a nation. Mills and I will not be around that much longer. I want to see the younger people get a chance before it is too late. My generation has already fed up by being way too passive and compliant in the face of 50 years of growing fascism.

Likewise, none of us wants to see another Fetterman. That turned out to be a big mistake. So we ask questions and hope we will get enough truth to elect people who really will make the difference we need.

[JI7]

96. Their actions say more with repeatedly reelecting Susan Collins

[Bluetus]

97. What choices have they really had?

And I ask that without prejudice because I don't follow Maine politics closely. But the places I do follow, I see BOTH parties backing candidates that represent the status quo the old guard of either party really likes. By the time we get to primaries, anybody who might have threatened the status quo has been beaten down and denied the resources necessary to compete.

And what we are seeing here with Plattner (and certainly with Mamdani in NYC) looks like a party doing its very best to beat down the voices that could lead to real change because the party bigwigs don't want that kind of change. It is the same thing we saw when Hogg was run out of town.

I find it remarkable that Plattner got this far (maybe that shouldn't be surprising in Maine). But even more surprising that as he is being attacked (probably more from within the Party than without), he is maintaining a big lead over the establishment choice. Of course it is very early, but I think we should be asking questions WHO is organizing this attempted beatdown of Plattner and why are they so afraid of him? We saw exactly that same cycle in NYC.

[JI7]

98. There are clear differences between the candidates

they went for someone much more conservative.

[Quiet Em]

99. Platner is being confronted with his own words and actions.

A better question is why anyone would be ok with his words and actions.

Platner is nothing like Mamdani. Not even close.

[Jack Valentino]

104. Much like Maine is nothing like New York City...

[Quiet Em]

106. It is not ok to sport Nazi tattoos and say extremely disparaging things in Maine or in NYC

The candidates are different because one is a decent, caring genuine man who wants to make people's lives better and the other one has absolutely no business running for the US Senate and certainly not as a Democrat.

[JI7]

2. Who has a better chance of winning ?

[FBaggins]

133. The governor - by at least ten to one

I’m doubt that he has much of a chance at all against Collins.

[Climate Crusader]

3. Through his disqualifying comments and behaviors I think Mills has the better chance.

And we need this one.

[womanofthehills]

115. According to the latest polls

Three polls have him ahead and one has Mills ahead.

It’s mainly the young supporting him as he is very anti-genocide. So it’s coming down to he’s said and done shitty stuff but he’s calling Gaza a genocide and Mills isn’t. So he’s getting the anti war youth.

Plus he has Bernie’s endorsement while Mills has Schumer’s.

[Autumn]

5. I'm going with someone who is younger and has served in

the military and has had issues in his life, who knows what it's like to face your demons and overcome them . PTSD. I'm supporting Plantner.

[Bluetus]

17. The question is, has he really overcome his demons?

Many of us were completely wrong about Fetterman. At least Mills has a long track record of mental stability. But we can't keep trotting out these very old candidates and expect Americans to believe that Dems have the energy, vision, determination (not to mention skin in the game) to provide the kind of aggressive leadership the country needs today.

Is this really the best Maine can offer?

[uponit7771]

135. Right, Fetterman had some red flags we were willing to look past. Not anymore

[uponit7771]

136. Right, Fetterman had some red flags we were willing to look past. Not anymore

[obamanut2012]

35. wow

[DFW]

46. Younger and with military experience

Come to think of it, just what Trump saw in JD Vance.
Not enough.

[awesomerwb1]

80. Some people will vote for the worst candidate as long as he is

a Bernie bro. Reminds me of red hats.

[Blasphemer]

48. Yep. There is a reason I vote "establishment" even though I am progressive. nt

[womanofthehills]

116. I am too because he is very anti- genocide

Platner is very very vocal in his anti-genocide views. He speaks of the “endless wars” paid for by American taxpayers. The youth connect more with Platner’s anti-war message.

Schumer is supporting Mills as her views on Israel align more with his while Bernie is supporting Platner because they are both more anti war.

[Autumn]

124. I was impressed when he said that he shit talked and posted about things he knew nothing

about when he was in the infantry. I respect people owning up to their mistakes. It's a good thing and IMO shows me that he's a decent person.

[thought crime]

140. Same

I think younger voters who grew up with social media probably have a more realistic view about it. What would we see if we had a record of many casual conversations each boomer had back in the 1970's? Would any of them be disqualifying?

[Autumn]

143. I know there would be a hell of a lot I would have to be held accountable for.

[Wednesdays]

160. Shoot, there are conversations I had LAST WEEK

that would probably be disqualifying!

[EX500rider]

165. "..he said that he shit talked and posted about things he knew nothing about when he was in the infantry."

When did he get out of the military? I believe in 2016, then joined Blackwater in 2018.
Some of his very objectionable Reddit posts were made in 2020 I think.

[Quiet Em]

149. He has a Nazi tattoo on his chest

That is not anti-genocide, c'mon now.

[betsuni]

152. Tulsi Gabbard was the True Progressive anti-war candidate running against the party (Democrats are the REAL warmongers)

and the yammering on about Platner being anti-genocide as if Democrats are big genocide supporters and start wars all the time just like Republicans reminds me of how she turned out, but with a Nazi tattoo.

But we're supposed to baby him and give all the benefits of the doubt because boys will be boys and all that is identity politics and doesn't matter anyway.

[Shrek]

8. I'm not registered to vote in Maine n/t

[hlthe2b]

24. Nor am I, but we can offer an opinion... n/t

[Just_Vote_Dem]

13. I support Mills

Looking at Platner's background, it's possible he could be a Repub mole. Mills has plenty of experience.

[Torchlight]

15. Mills' CV seems more productive, substantial and much less problematic

First glance would be a Mills' vote if I were a resident, otherwise I'd feel that I was dancing too close to vance's "kids do stupid things, especially young boys..." remark from last week.

[avebury]

18. While I would like to see a younger candidate, Mills

is experienced with a proven track record. My priority is clawing back control of Congress. Even we cannot get both the House and Senate I want the margin so slim that life for the Republicans becomes even more dire.

[avebury]

19. While I would like to see a younger candidate, Mills

is experienced with a proven track record. My priority is clawing back control of Congress. Even we cannot get both the House and Senate I want the margin so slim that life for the Republicans becomes even more dire.

[hlthe2b]

23. Her age seems to be the only issue for folks... Well, she appears completely healthy &

high functioning--which statistically is more likely to be the case for women, so I don't see that as a major issue. I know younger voters would far prefer someone of a younger generation, but damn if any of us want to lose to the R.

[waddirum]

25. blackwater + nazi tattoo

equals NOPE

[LetMyPeopleVote]

87. The Blackwater past employment also pesters me

[Nanjeanne]

27. Don't live in Maine so my support will be purely based on what policies they are pushing. So far, Platner's

policies align with mine but haven't seen a platform from Mills. Since it's a primary and I'm not in that state - I'm fine with the people of Maine making a determination and then supporting whomever they choose. For me, I look at policy first and foremost and what people are willing to really fight for.

[eShirl]

28. Too soon

There are eight declared candidates for this nomination so far, with more likely to join.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_Senate_election_in_Maine#Candidates_2
I may well end up backing someone other than Mills or Platner by deciding-time..

[Ritabert]

29. Can we pick "orher"?

[JCMach1]

30. Definitely opp research attacks being dropped

Honestly glad I don't have to decide about this race.

[yardwork]

36. The decision is up to the Democratic voters in Maine.

[Cha]

51. Yes, but the Whole Country has a

Stake in getting a Democratic Senator from Maine Elected.

I plan to donate to Gov Jenet Mills' Election Campaign for Senate.

[yardwork]

78. True. Good for you, Cha!

[Big Blue Marble]

37. Remember Mills was one of the first leaders to stand up to Trump

and in the White House too, to his face. If I were in Maine, that would be
enough for me to support her.

[JustAnotherGen]

39. 1 - I'm not in state

2. If I did live in state, I would vote for Jordan Wood. He's young and bright with solid Liberal credentials. I mean c'mon he served as VP of 'End Citizens United' PAC, cofounder of democracyFirst, and is saying the magic words "broken system". That's very appealing to my demographic (Black Democratic Women) because he's echoing VP Harris and Karine Jean-Pierre - or rather -

He said it before them.

3. I'm going to see what happens on November 4th here in NJ - then start making a few primary donations. If we aren't fighting for our lives - he'll be one of the out of state Candidates I will donate to.

[eShirl]

42. Jordan Wood has the 2nd highest campaign donations so far (close behind Platner) according to Wikipedia

don't know much about him yet other than he used to work for Katie Porter

[JustAnotherGen]

43. I'm impressed by his fundraising numbers (small dollar donors)

According to his post to X, the contributions came from 46,000 donations across 30,000 donors from all 16 Maine counties, with an average donation amount of $22.

https://www.themainewire.com/2025/06/progressive-democrat-running-to-unseat-susan-collins-boasts-1-million-in-donations-local-endorsements/

These are the types of candidates my husband and I will give a $500 donation to. Think Pete Buttigieg, Julian Castro, VP Harris in 2020.

[MaineBlueBear]

44. Might consider Platner

If he gets the tattoo removed.

I like Gov. Mills and anyone who brings up her age can take a peek at Sen. Grassley.

[eShirl]

45. he got it made into a different tattoo, celtic style dog

source: https://wgme.com/news/local/senate-candidate-graham-platner-addresses-past-reddit-posts-and-controversial-tattoo-maine-social-media-maine-democrats-senate-race-republicans-susan-collins-janet-mills

[iemanja]

55. On Tuesday

After he was criticized for it in the media. He chose to keep it for many years.

He’s expressed contempt for women, black people, and Jews. Who is even left? We don’t need a bigot and rape apologist representing Democrats.

[eShirl]

57. I'm not arguing in favor of him. n/t

[MaineBlueBear]

73. Agree. I like this response from Keith Olberman

"So let's focus instead on taking out the trash like Graham Platner. For 17 years or so, the populist Maine Democrat somehow didn't know that was a nazi tattoo on his chest, which I suppose is possible. But when it was going to come out, instead of going right to a tattoo parlor and holding a news conference explaining and apologizing as they turned it into something else, he released a drunken video and waited three days to (supposedly) actually fix the problem. He has no judgment. None. Get out."

[Kali999]

81. Says the guy

who dated Sinema

[Celerity]

86. lolol

[róisín_dubh]

163. Hmm, a Cu

Interesting choice. Guardians and companions of gods in Irish mythology.

Wonder what that’s about (I have one on my shoulder and wear a symbol of Cú Chulainn around my neck).

[nini]

58. Removing the tattoo doesn't erase the fact he had it

We’re talking Nazi stuff here not some minor youthful indiscretion.

[Bluetus]

60. Some of these criticisms seem really knee-jerk

I tried to find a photo of the original tattoo that was supposedly like a Nazi symbol. I never could find that, only a bunch of people jabbering about it.

But I now see the updated tattoo and I sure can't see anything in there that looks like any Nazi symbols I have ever seen. That seems like character assassination to me, unless somebody has evidence that Plattner actually has some history with the Nazis and had some awareness that the artwork was maybe some kind of secret Nazi symbology nobody else ever knew about.

That makes me question all the other criticisms of him. It is very easy to take old quotes out of context. Is there any evidence of a real pattern of behavior about contempt for women, black people, and Jews, or are we just reacting to some RW oppo research?

[EX500rider]

63. I guess it depends how familiar you are with nazi symbols

Last edited Wed Oct 22, 2025, 10:51 PM - Edit history (1)

He most definitely (he does not deny it) had a SS Totenkopf on his chest and according to a friend called it that back in 2012.

They look like this and are familiar do anyone well versed in WWII European theater history.

[Bluetus]

64. The tattoo, after modification, looks nothing like that.

I could never find a photo of the actual tattoo in question, before alteration. Have you seen it? Can you please provide a link to it?

[EX500rider]

65. Have you seen any evidence that he denies that's what was on his chest for 18 years?

And yes, that's the whole point of tattoo alteration.

[Bluetus]

68. WTF? Is that your argument?

You present a piece of artwork that has nothing to do with Plattner, you claim that artwork is a Nazi thing (and it may be). You claim that Plattner's tattoo looks just like your artwork, but you can't show us a picture of the actual tattoo?

And then you say it is MY responsibility to prove that he didn't have a tattoo resembling your artwork?

Come on. Seriously?

If you want to have credibility in this instance, you really need to show the original tattoo. Plattner has said he regarded the tattoo as a plain old skull and crossbones and he was unaware until recently that the image has been associated with Nazi police. A basic skull and crossbones is quite common and few people would be aware that there was a special variation of skull and crossbones that had a particular Nazi association. In addition, this symbol was not used broadly across the Nazi movement, but was adopted by a few divisions, and even in that limited use, there wasn't a single version of the artwork. There were variations. Compared to other common skull and crossbones artwork, the Nazi ones are distinct by placing the bones behind the neck, whereas it is more common to place the bones below the skull. Also, the Nazi variations all seem to depict a fracture in the skull. Did Plattner's tattoo have these features? Did it have any text that would clearly associate it with the Nazi usage?

Be honest. A week ago, if you saw somebody on the street with this particular style of skull and crossbones, would you have associated that with the Nazi police? I am betting fewer than 1 in 10,000 people would do so.

This sign warning of poison looks very much like your artwork. If a company had this sign on display, would you suspect the company is a secret Nazi operation?
https://www.mysafetylabels.com/warning-labels/iso-7010-safety-label-toxic-poison/sku-lb-0443

We might all heed the disclaimer on the Anti-Defamation League website: "All the symbols depicted in the hate symbols database must be evaluated in the context in which they appear. Few symbols represent just one idea or are used exclusively by one group."

[EX500rider]

71. You apparently haven't read a much about this cuz that's what the tattoo is

[Bluetus]

74. Show me the picture

People going after Plattner might say that's what it is, but I'd actually like to see evidence.

I have asked for that 3 times now. Obviously you have never seen the picture and you are basing your opinion on what other people have said about the tattoo.

[EX500rider]

75. So you think if he was accused of having a Nazi tattoo and didn't actually have one he might say so?

[Bluetus]

79. That is exactly what he said.

He said he did not realize until recently that some people associate that image with the Nazis.

Again, I ask for a picture of the tattoo before modification. Here is the tattoo as it stands now, You can't tell anything from that. If you are looking at some other image, please post a link.
https://imgur.com/6h5FnM7

[EX500rider]

82. Saying I didn't realize it was a Nazi tattoo is actually acknowledging it is a Nazi tattoo

[Bluetus]

84. So you are not going to link to the picture?

I'm sorry. I am not willing to take your word that it is definitely a Nazi symbol when you refuse to even post a picture of it.

You obviously have not seen the picture you keep talking about and must be relying on what others have said about it. There are many people who have agendas here, so I want to see the actual thing, not what some anonymous people have said about the thing.

[Blue_Adept]

85. Here you go

People in his past have commented since it came up that he both acknowledged and downplayed it a decade ago when he was a bartender in that kind of sheepish way.

[Bluetus]

90. Thank you. There is some resemblance to the Nazi usage

But there is also resemblance to the international symbol for poison. He has said he did not realize until recently there was a similarity with one of the many symbols used by various Nazi groups. To me, the more important question is whether he has shown any other tendencies in the Nazi / antisemitic direction as a mature adult. If he was intentionally aligning with the Nazis when he got that ink, I don't think it is plausible that he kept Nazi sympathies secret for a decade or more.

[Blue_Adept]

91. Your ability to downplay this says more about you than anything else

Seriously. When the vast majority of those following this realize what it is, what it means, and how members of the military often get it, it's time to stop defending it.

[Bluetus]

92. "Vast majority" ? No. You are dead wrong about that.

Recent polling shows Mainers standing behind Plattner.
https://www.newsweek.com/graham-platners-chances-of-beating-janet-mills-in-maine-amid-controversy-10929413

AFTER this brouhaha, which may be driven by the same right-wing coalition that is trying to do character assassination of Mamdani, Mainers back Plattner over Mills 58 - 24.

It is obvious I am not the one with the agenda here. Mainers are taking the same attitude I am. I am sure they all want to take a close look at Plattner, and it is doing him a service to get this stuff vetted early. I have not seen any evidence that he has demonstrated any Nazi sympathies or behavior, and like 99% of the public, I would not have associated that tattoo with anything more than regular old skull and crossbones.

There are people who are very threatened by politicians who have the courage to talk about a society that is not run by the fantastically wealthy, fantastically corrupt few. And they are undoubtedly using some of their loose pocket change to try to do a character assassination of the people who do speak up.

I note that Bernie is Jewish and he has continued to support Plattner. I suggest you give some thought to why you are so passionate about attacking others who are just trying to understand the situation on a factual, objective basis.

[EX500rider]

89. You can do your own research

And yes I have seen the picture, trying doing a google search maybe, I am not your google.

And I don't even have to see it if the person accused of having it does not deny it, if it wasn't true there would be crystal clear pictures of it, I can understand why he would want a somewhat blurry picture of a SS tattoo he had on his chest for 18 years.

But him not denying it is proof enough for most rational folk . YMMV

[EX500rider]

76. The picture may not be obvious on your phone or a small monitor

But on my 32 inch monitor it's plainly what it is, SS tattoo

[sop]

127. Here:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=20740664

[thought crime]

138. Bingo. And the controversy began soon after Mills jumped in.

I'm glad you figured it out, but don't expect the criticism to stop. I suspect it mostly comes from people who just don't like seeing someone a little to the Left running for the Senate seat.

[Quiet Em]

142. You don't get to blame Governor Mills for this man's awful decisions and words.

[Quiet Em]

164. You seem to be angry that Platner is being held accountable for what Platner himself did

And you are blaming Mills for Platner being held accountable for Platner's own actions.

Mills didn't force Platner to write disparaging things on Reddit. Mills didn't force Platner to get a Nazi tattoo. Platner did that all by his grown man self.

[Bluetus]

145. And there is an extreme bias against millennials and Gen-Xers

It is extraordinary, really. There has never been a time where the party leadership was dominated by so many people who are so old, and in my lifetime, I don't recall a time when the leadership was as passive as they are now. They say "Hey, we don't have the votes. We can't do anything." That is just not true. There are many things that could be done to communicate more directly with the American public, but you can't be afraid of using strong language and showing some emotion.

Perhaps we could overlook these things if it was not the case that the old-timers are actively trying to undermine the young, progressive, populist leaders. We don't know for certain that Mills is behind this attack campaign on Plattner, but we know it started when the Party bosses persuaded Mills to jump in and try to fend off the next generation. It is exactly the same playbook we have been watching in NYC.

It is time for people like Cuomo, Schumer, Jeffries, and DNC chair Ken Martin to stop this shit. I am now getting donation requests almost every day from the DNC. F that. I am not giving them any of my money until they start getting behind real progressives and populists that are at least post-Boomer.

[PeaceWave]

148. Funny, the "extreme bias" a lot of us see is coming FROM millennials and Gen-Xers...

Constantly attempting to make an issue out of age (and being discriminatory in the process) - instead of focusing on actual issues.

[betsuni]

154. Yes, divisive talking point, fake martyrs pretending the Old Geezer Guard's coming to get them like in a zombie movie.

[thought crime]

125. If Mills is the candidate

Last edited Sun Oct 26, 2025, 09:12 PM - Edit history (1)

A lot of people will be seeing ads starring Diane Feinstein & Joe Biden. The ads write themselves with either of these candidates.

I've been defending Platner on other threads, but for the question of who to actually run I would say neither. We should not lose this Senate seat. Edit: I voted for Plattner just to go against what I regard as a smear.

[Emile]

47. I like Janet Mills, but I prefer someone younger.

This is a six year term.

[thought crime]

123. She would be 79 at the beginning of her term.

[Polybius]

49. Not Graham Platner

Guy is batshit crazy.

[iemanja]

52. A Nazi tattoo is a no go for me.

[DoBW]

62. The real nazis are gestapo on the streets

[SSJVegeta]

77. If Platner can prove to handle these revalations with enough evidence he has changed

He might earn back my (largely symbolic) support.

[karynnj]

88. What kind of things could he do that would be significant enough to counter all

the things coming out.

What do people in Maine really know about him? When did most people in Maine get any impression of him? How long ago was the most recent example of really inappropriate comments?

If this all came out about someone who most people already had a long fixed opinion on it would be less damaging than someone they only recently, and maybe superficially, got to know. If he was really "new" he really was still in the phase of defining himself. These revelations call into question who he is.

There are several people running at this point. Even among the people who think Mills is too old, there has to be a better alternative to get behind. If Mills is seen as the only one to beat Collins, having her there for 6 years gives Democrats a vote and probably the down side of Maine having very little seniority when King opts not to run and she is not likely to be even a two term Senator.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

83. Mills is actually electable

Plantar has real issues

[thought crime]

119. She would be 79 when she took office in the Senate. Not an issue?

Ageism? Yeah, just watch it happen if she is nominated. We have loads of people warning that we can't run a Black woman or any woman for President in 2028, but running someone for Senate who is pushing 80 is going to be just fine after Joe Biden or Diane Feinstein's sad spectacle?
Say hello to another term for Collins, who is a "young" 72 (younger than me).

Graham Platner may now be fatally flawed as a candidate. The republicans will hypocritically hammer the tattoo & postings into everyone's brain. Ironically, that could backfire in Maine due to MAGA confusion (they are easily confused). It might be funny.

The best thing is probably to find a new candidate. Maybe another Oyster Farmer.

[PeaceWave]

120. Nothing about Platner and his Nazi tattoo is "funny." Hard to believe you would suggest otherwise.

[thought crime]

137. If MAGA voted for a Lefty who is clearly NOT a Nazi? Yeah, kinda funny.

Pretty, pretty funny.

I think Platner is getting smeared and it's probably working and the Senate seat will be lost to Dems. That's not funny.

Tommy Vietor from Pod Save America said, “I think the people asserting as fact that Graham Platner is a Nazi are fucking gross and they’re idiots and it’s absurd.

Jon Favreau from Pod Save America said that aside from the tattoo, Platner “has not uttered a word or post even when it was an anonymous Reddit thread that was anything expressing any kind of sympathy for not just Nazis but any kind of fascist or fascist adjacent politics.”

[PeaceWave]

139. A guy with a Nazi tattoo on his chest, staring at it every time he shaves - for 18 years - might just be a Nazi.

[Quiet Em]

141. You know what is fucking gross?

People who dismiss a Nazi tattoo on a grown man who knew better.

People who ignore the pain and hurt that tattoo portrays and laugh like it's no big deal.

That's fucking gross.

[QueerDuck]

95. Not looking good for Platner ... it's it?

GOOD!

[Hekate]

102. His very entitled rich kid credentials are giving me pause, as they should you. See link

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220744656

[thought crime]

118. Check the credentials of the author of that linked article.

[Hekate]

131. Can you expand a bit?

[thought crime]

134. You linked to a post referring to an article written by a right-wing author criticizing Platner.

[PeaceWave]

121. So, on top of everything else, Platner is a nepo baby? Yeesh.

[DinahMoeHum]

103. Too many questionable issues too fast for Platner.

fortunately, there's still time for another person to throw their hat in the ring for this seat.

[Hassler]

107. Neither. We have youth inspiring, will be 79 yr old Mills

Or the Fetterman 2.0 vibe.

[thought crime]

122. Susan Collins is Not concerned...

[RandomNumbers]

128. Voted 'Other' for two reasons

1. If I lived in Maine, I'd take a careful look at all the other candidates, and be thankful for RCV that I could vote for who I thought best.

2. I don't live in Maine so it isn't up to me.

That said, if Janet Mills wins the Democratic primary - or god forbid, even if Platner does - I would support them in the general, to the extent that I would support any candidate as an out of stater. I hope that Platner doesn't win the primary, because he has displayed too many issues that make his character questionable to me. But the one vote that counts most is Senate Majority Leader and if he voted for the Democrat then, it would make him better than Collins no matter what his other votes.

[Stargleamer]

129. How long ago did he have the tattoo removed? n/t

[PeaceWave]

130. He hasn't had it removed. He just covered it up once he got caught with it.

[Stargleamer]

132. This candidate's tattoo was inspired by someone you all look up to. . .

Jordan Wood is running for Senate in Maine.

No apologies, excuses or Nazi tattoo cover ups required.

Just saying.

— 🪷MsGrumpyBunny🪷 (@msgrumpybunny.bsky.social) 2025-10-26T17:51:28.765Z

[dsc]

144. I would choose wood

[mvd]

146. First Platner but now Mills

Platner has proven himself not to be a good candidate IMO.

[kimbutgar]

151. Anyone that can beat Susan Collins

[LetMyPeopleVote]

153. This polling made me smile

Link to tweet

[kentuck]

158. I thinik there is age discrimination...

...that should not exist, at least not at this level of government.

Governor is not the same as the President. I think age might carry more weight when running for President.