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Chasstev365

(8,218 posts)
Sun May 31, 2026, 12:39 PM Yesterday

I don't care about Platner's sexting issue, but I do care about his Nazi Tattoo.

Last edited Sun May 31, 2026, 04:59 PM - Edit history (1)

It wasn't a "Youthful Indiscretion." You can't tell me he didn't know what it stood for. If a Republican candidate had one DU would be hammering them continuously.

May I remind everyone that 12 million innocent civilians were murdered by the Nazi regime. That still matters to me!

191 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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I don't care about Platner's sexting issue, but I do care about his Nazi Tattoo. (Original Post) Chasstev365 Yesterday OP
It matters to me also - TBF Yesterday #1
Do you think Platner is a Nazi? Ocelot II Yesterday #2
It is what some imply (with absolute intent) and I think it is an absolutely false charge. Platner is not a nazi. He is Celerity Yesterday #32
Of course he isn't. I was looking for someone to explain why having gotten a tattoo Ocelot II Yesterday #35
"Graham Platner is no Nazi". AloeVera 23 hrs ago #74
The tattoo really pesters me LetMyPeopleVote Yesterday #3
I don't think sexting is a good idea in a candidate LisaL Yesterday #12
To be fair the sexting was years ago EdmondDantes_ Yesterday #18
He has only been married for 3 years. LisaL Yesterday #20
In this context, I would say during the campaign EdmondDantes_ Yesterday #52
Years ago? Try 3 or less mcar 1 hr ago #181
He was not running at the time. Nt AloeVera Yesterday #24
Well, I guess anything you did before the campaign LisaL Yesterday #29
Like I said, he's running for sainthood. AloeVera Yesterday #57
Actually, given how he surged in spite of the tattoo and posts, karynnj 23 hrs ago #77
right? Skittles Yesterday #25
i urge you to not check Lindsay Graham's browser history mr715 19 hrs ago #108
Whoa, I did not know that PatSeg Yesterday #22
Those things matter to me, too, but I don't want Collins to be re-elected. sop Yesterday #4
I agree, but I think Maine Democrats could have come up with less controversial candidate Chasstev365 Yesterday #6
They didn't, so the only choice will be Collins or Platner. I would prefer Susan Collins not be re-elected. sop Yesterday #9
Fair Enough! Chasstev365 Yesterday #11
THANK YOU Skittles Yesterday #26
Somebody vetted him. That's how we know that Platner is a gay bashing, rape apologizing, racist lapucelle 19 hrs ago #112
JFC Skittles 17 hrs ago #117
Did I mention that Platner sounded a bit wistful that urinating on [enemy] bodies is now a "poor choice, lapucelle 10 hrs ago #124
hoo boy, my instincts were right on Skittles 38 min ago #188
The person you describe misanthrope 14 hrs ago #121
This is the issue. It's amazing the kerfuffle over non-Mainers Nixie 4 hrs ago #159
Chuck Schumer endorsed Fetterman. Emile 3 hrs ago #162
Chuck Schumer promoted Janet Mills. But she dropped out. Nixie 2 hrs ago #165
Yes you are half correct. Us Bernie people know we were fooled by a centrist. Emile 2 hrs ago #171
Bernie Sanders backed John Fetterman prevails in Pennsylvania Nixie 2 hrs ago #168
Same reply as Post 171 Emile 2 hrs ago #172
Didn't Sanders also elevate Tulsi Gabbard and Nina Turner? lapucelle 1 hr ago #178
Chuck Schumer has a track record of endorsements too. Emile 1 hr ago #179
Sorry, "Quick! Look over here!" doesn't work on me. lapucelle 1 hr ago #183
A lot of us were fooled by Centrist Fetterman, but imo I think Schumer knew. Emile 55 min ago #184
I forgot about his not voting for Biden and Harris. betsuni 14 hrs ago #122
That's not true. Three Democrats will be on the June 9 ballot: Platner, Mills, and David Costello. lapucelle 19 hrs ago #106
Costello's polling at 3 to 4%, Mills withdrew from the race, and Platner is the presumptive nominee. sop 10 hrs ago #127
So it hasn't been determined that "the only choice will be Platner or Collins", lapucelle 9 hrs ago #128
You're right, it's never too late; Mills could re-enter the race and Platner could do the decent thing and drop out. sop 9 hrs ago #131
Mills is still on the ballot, but I'm not sure why David Costello is being dismissed out of hand. lapucelle 9 hrs ago #134
I do believe Platner's explanation. Americanme Yesterday #5
What's his explanation for sexting? LisaL Yesterday #13
I have not heard his explanation for that, or even what the texts were about. Americanme Yesterday #54
I find that hilarious. LisaL Yesterday #63
On that, I agree 100%. Americanme 21 hrs ago #99
Nice switch. intheflow 6 hrs ago #142
Getting it drunk sure, possible, having it for almost 20 years without knowing seems very unlikely to me EX500rider Yesterday #56
Exactly. LisaL Yesterday #67
He wasn't running for office then MichMan 20 hrs ago #100
WTF does it have to do with running for office? LisaL 19 hrs ago #111
Because it wasnt a problem until he ran DetroitLegalBeagle 8 hrs ago #135
Amen to everything. If he was so indoctrinated in the military as is claimed, Nixie Yesterday #7
He protested a Bush appearance in 2002. WhiskeyGrinder Yesterday #10
This is better than nothing, but I was actually hoping for his Nixie Yesterday #49
Of course he's criticized Bush/ Cheney! AloeVera 23 hrs ago #68
LOL, This is from after he started his senate campaign. Apparently you don't care about knowing why Nixie 23 hrs ago #71
Good Lord. He was not a public figure before then! AloeVera 23 hrs ago #75
Good Lord, yourself. He was also a former Republican. His own words. Nixie 23 hrs ago #76
I see.. AloeVera 23 hrs ago #79
Hilarious that you now know nothing about him and are asking for all sorts of links that are all right here on Nixie 23 hrs ago #81
No sources, no evidence? AloeVera 23 hrs ago #83
More LOL. The answers are all over this site and you know it. Nixie 22 hrs ago #86
His interview with NBC News. sheshe2 19 hrs ago #107
That doesn't make him a Republican. Political affiliation is determined by voter registration, not how you vote. AloeVera 15 hrs ago #119
Ummm K sheshe2 14 hrs ago #120
Platner is a either serial mis-rememberer or a liar, though. lapucelle 10 hrs ago #125
Was Platner lying or *mis-remembering* when he spoke to CNN six months ago? lapucelle 10 hrs ago #126
Was Platner lying or *mis-remembering* when he claimed to never have been "close to money" lapucelle 9 hrs ago #130
Woh, Platner seems to be *mis-remembering* his record of voting for Collins. lapucelle 10 hrs ago #123
Thanks AloeVera Coolgoober 19 hrs ago #110
"They are full of shit" sheshe2 18 hrs ago #115
Which doesn't answer tge question that he was a republican AloeVera 2 hrs ago #166
please dont say DUers are full of shit Old-8643 3 hrs ago #161
28 days and you think you get make the rules? questionseverything 3 hrs ago #164
So protested the war then joined up to fight in it & re-enlisted to do so again? EX500rider Yesterday #58
It's almost as if he's disingenuous MorbidButterflyTat 23 hrs ago #72
look... he's going to face Susan Collins Takket Yesterday #8
David Costello is also running in the Democratic primary PatSeg Yesterday #31
But, yes. Nobody is talking about him. So there's that. Scrivener7 Yesterday #47
I suppose Platner PatSeg 22 hrs ago #84
he had the money top have it removed DonCoquixote Yesterday #14
Would He Vote Consistently with the Democratic Caucus? MineralMan Yesterday #15
Of course I'm not going to vote in that election PCB66 Yesterday #16
I am not a resident of Maine so I have to leave the fitness of their candidates up to people who are. Ocelot II Yesterday #17
Platner is not even nominated yet. LisaL Yesterday #19
The tattoo... 2naSalit Yesterday #21
This. MontanaMama 22 hrs ago #90
You are right on this point. sheshe2 18 hrs ago #116
I care about both, but neither is as bad as enabling the Rapist Felon Party. RandomNumbers Yesterday #23
Why do I keep thinking about Sinema and Fetterman? Irish_Dem Yesterday #27
Post removed Post removed Yesterday #34
Centrists, beats me.? Emile 7 hrs ago #138
Sure that must be it. Irish_Dem 6 hrs ago #139
You think Platner is centrist? LOL Emile 6 hrs ago #140
You typed that stuff, not me. Irish_Dem 5 hrs ago #144
Well then why are you reminded of Sinema and Fetterman Emile 4 hrs ago #158
Sexual pervert good. Nazi bad. Irish_Dem Yesterday #28
Of Whose Values Do You Speak? And Are You Suggesting ...... ColoringFool 23 hrs ago #69
Our new value system. As per instructions. Irish_Dem 23 hrs ago #78
I care about Susan Collins tattoos. mr715 Yesterday #30
It's a Nazi Bugs Bunny? Chasstev365 Yesterday #36
No, but the Donald Duck is a horrific Japanese stereotype mr715 Yesterday #37
I care about Susan Collins sitting out Krasnov's crime spree of GoodRaisin Yesterday #46
Collins has no tattoos Polybius 21 hrs ago #94
I was joking mr715 21 hrs ago #96
Post removed Post removed Yesterday #33
As far as I am concerned, he might just be a perfect candidate, if he were a Republican. LisaL Yesterday #39
The midterms will give us a good read on direction gulliver Yesterday #38
Post removed Post removed Yesterday #40
AIPAC has said he is a "direct threat to the US-Israel relationship". AloeVera 23 hrs ago #70
AIPAC and his tattoo are separate issues. RandySF 4 hrs ago #151
Not really Always Blue 2 hrs ago #170
Sure RandySF 2 hrs ago #173
Of course AIPAC is behind it sarisataka 1 hr ago #175
I don't care about a tattoo Miami Blue Yesterday #41
Many did and that's why zero Democrats voted to approve him rogue emissary Yesterday #43
Rogue, I think that you misunderstood me, so please review my statement again Miami Blue Yesterday #48
What did I miss understand in below question? rogue emissary Yesterday #50
Okay, rogue, peace ✌️🏻 Miami Blue Yesterday #59
Enjoy the Sunshine. 😎 rogue emissary 21 hrs ago #93
I care about a Senate majority. RockRaven Yesterday #42
He isn't the nominee. The primary hasn't even happened yet. LisaL Yesterday #45
It's almost as if some people aren't aware of it MorbidButterflyTat 23 hrs ago #73
It is almost as if some people believe a news story 9 days out can swing an election polling 76-10-3. RockRaven 22 hrs ago #89
It might matter to Maine voters MorbidButterflyTat 21 hrs ago #97
Please provide a link to This Will Hold. mr715 19 hrs ago #114
He IS the nominee. Mills suspended her campaign, the others are polling in the single digits, and it's a week away. RockRaven 22 hrs ago #85
I am not optimistic about his chances in the general. LisaL 22 hrs ago #87
Collins will clobber him MorbidButterflyTat 21 hrs ago #98
I hope we both agree that should he win the nomination, mr715 19 hrs ago #109
Not to mention BWdem4life Yesterday #44
He's already had it covered with another tattoo nt Rob H. 20 hrs ago #101
Shhhh.... luv2fly 20 hrs ago #104
Then this is a tempest in a teapot. nt BWdem4life 15 hrs ago #118
In 2025. LisaL 9 hrs ago #133
Not until he decided to run for office mcar 55 min ago #185
Platter? Skittles Yesterday #51
Got it! Thanks! Chasstev365 Yesterday #53
He got a swastika??! SSJVegeta Yesterday #55
totenkopf WhiskeyGrinder Yesterday #60
Oh. Does it look like a swastika? SSJVegeta Yesterday #61
No, it's the emblem SS death camp guards used on their uniforms. WhiskeyGrinder Yesterday #65
It's skull and cross bones symbol. LisaL Yesterday #66
Something worse IMO, the insignia worn by the Nazi Death Camp guards EX500rider Yesterday #62
It's been used by the German military for several centuries. GCG 7 hrs ago #137
Yes and the swastika was an ancient symbol used in Tibet EX500rider 5 hrs ago #146
This reminds me of Hell's Angels PCB66 10 min ago #191
Former Platner political director weighs in on his tattoo LetMyPeopleVote Yesterday #64
It was something he did 30 some years ago while a young soldier and didn't realize it and he calls it a mistake oldmanlynn 23 hrs ago #80
Yea, sure. LisaL 23 hrs ago #82
30 some years ago? Polybius 21 hrs ago #95
Nazis enid602 22 hrs ago #88
12?? 25 million Russians alone. WarGamer 22 hrs ago #91
Official number of Russian casualties is 20 millions. LisaL 22 hrs ago #92
I don't think it was a Nazi tattoo ruth diamond 20 hrs ago #102
In 20 years being around Marine "tough guys" sarisataka 19 hrs ago #105
it was an actual SS Totenkopf tattoo... precisely. WarGamer 19 hrs ago #113
I cared too AZProgressive 20 hrs ago #103
I don't care about either. He was young and in the military. It's been covered up Autumn 9 hrs ago #129
He might have been young when he got it, but he had it for nearly 20 years. LisaL 9 hrs ago #132
I wish you would make up your mind. Emile 8 hrs ago #136
I can't believe that our party would even consider him as a candidate. milestogo 6 hrs ago #141
What things in his platform you against? Here Emile 6 hrs ago #143
Anti-semitism. milestogo 5 hrs ago #145
Sorry, it's not in his platform. Emile 5 hrs ago #147
Are we that hard up for candidates that we can't find someone who HAS NEVER had an antisemitic tattoo milestogo 4 hrs ago #149
Really, this is a great candidate. Must Emile 4 hrs ago #150
Its his character that I am not impressed with. milestogo 4 hrs ago #153
Still not in his platform. Waiting . . . Emile 4 hrs ago #154
You just don't get it. milestogo 4 hrs ago #156
I get it, I even posted his platform to Emile 4 hrs ago #157
This message was self-deleted by its author Emile 4 hrs ago #155
The future of the country is at stake. mainer 5 hrs ago #148
Kids are crying from hunger as they wait in food bank lines questionseverything 3 hrs ago #163
So it's "Israelis'" fault the US has hungry children? sarisataka 2 hrs ago #169
It's the fault of Israel supporting politicians both republican and democratic questionseverything 1 hr ago #180
You could have just said "yes" sarisataka 46 min ago #186
I care about both, the sexting indicates his charactor vapor2 4 hrs ago #152
Susan Collins thanks you for your concern. Jack Valentino 4 hrs ago #160
A good cause and a polished image can hide just about anything. Torchlight 2 hrs ago #167
The whole sexting scandal just broke and still people mostly want to talk about his tattoo standingtall 1 hr ago #174
False rumors flying about Platner mainer 1 hr ago #176
nothing about him says "Senator Platner" lapfog_1 1 hr ago #177
"Well, calling himself 'Senator Platner' on his resume is usually the first step to changing that." Emile 1 hr ago #182
I like Chris Murphy's response to this... maybe other Dems should think like Murphy Nanjeanne 38 min ago #187
Good reason for Sen. Murphy to be Leader mr715 23 min ago #189
The more we learn about him PCB66 18 min ago #190

Celerity

(55,071 posts)
32. It is what some imply (with absolute intent) and I think it is an absolutely false charge. Platner is not a nazi. He is
Sun May 31, 2026, 02:08 PM
Yesterday

a progressive and a unconventional candidate who helped upend the establishment choice, (and the centrist candidate) Mills, to the point where she ended her campaign. For that Platner earned a lot of ire from certain quarters.

I think Mills and Platner were and are both flawed (Mills more than Platner IMHO, she took multiple poor actions as governor, made multiple choices that are unpopular within our Party), but, barring some freakish outcome, Platner will be our standard bearer against the ratfucker Collins. I hope he comes down on that lying, snide POS Concern Collins like a tonne of bricks and wins the seat.

Ocelot II

(131,462 posts)
35. Of course he isn't. I was looking for someone to explain why having gotten a tattoo
Sun May 31, 2026, 02:20 PM
Yesterday

many years ago that apparently relates to a symbol used by Nazis makes you a Nazi if you've never espoused any Nazi principles. I don't live in Maine so the decision isn't mine to make, but I don't want a Nazi in the Senate and I wanted to know if he is one. I would expect a true Nazi to say Nazi things but AFAIK Platner hasn't said any Nazi things.

AloeVera

(4,474 posts)
74. "Graham Platner is no Nazi".
Sun May 31, 2026, 05:55 PM
23 hrs ago

Heading of NYT opinion piece by Michelle Goldberg. Good read on this question.

https://archive.is/gMNpr





LetMyPeopleVote

(182,783 posts)
3. The tattoo really pesters me
Sun May 31, 2026, 12:55 PM
Yesterday

I have seen a great deal on this. This is just one example that Collins would use against Platner in a general election campaign.





I have seen some other oppo that pesters me including the material on this thread.

LisaL

(47,614 posts)
12. I don't think sexting is a good idea in a candidate
Sun May 31, 2026, 01:11 PM
Yesterday

running for public office.
As far as I am concerned, it shows bad judgement.

LisaL

(47,614 posts)
20. He has only been married for 3 years.
Sun May 31, 2026, 01:36 PM
Yesterday

He has been doing it during the marriage. So what are you talking about? What's recent to you?

EdmondDantes_

(2,146 posts)
52. In this context, I would say during the campaign
Sun May 31, 2026, 04:57 PM
Yesterday

I can't fault someone for sexting in general, but obviously doing it outside of your partner while married is gross and I wonder why their relationship survived.

But compared to his other problems like the tattoo and his misogynistic posts, still using retarded as a slur, and associating with antisemitic YouTube people, the sexting is minor. Guy doesn't seem like he makes great decisions.

AloeVera

(4,474 posts)
24. He was not running at the time. Nt
Sun May 31, 2026, 01:41 PM
Yesterday

And now he is running for sainthood, so it appears.

AloeVera

(4,474 posts)
57. Like I said, he's running for sainthood.
Sun May 31, 2026, 05:12 PM
Yesterday

Unlike any other candidate that ever had marriage problems or showed poor judgement in his PERSONAL life. And if that were the case, we'd have trouble finding enough saints to run for office.


But it's Platner, who is a " direct threat to the US- Israel relationship" (AIPAC's words, not mine), so all of a sudden some democrats are rediscovering their moral outrage at personal peccadillos that they usually, for anyone else, recognize as none of their business.

karynnj

(61,150 posts)
77. Actually, given how he surged in spite of the tattoo and posts,
Sun May 31, 2026, 06:11 PM
23 hrs ago

he has an unusual amount of Teflon! I can't think of many Democrats who would have been given a pass on those.

Chasstev365

(8,218 posts)
6. I agree, but I think Maine Democrats could have come up with less controversial candidate
Sun May 31, 2026, 01:00 PM
Yesterday

sop

(19,510 posts)
9. They didn't, so the only choice will be Collins or Platner. I would prefer Susan Collins not be re-elected.
Sun May 31, 2026, 01:05 PM
Yesterday

lapucelle

(21,171 posts)
112. Somebody vetted him. That's how we know that Platner is a gay bashing, rape apologizing, racist
Sun May 31, 2026, 10:16 PM
19 hrs ago

who called Mary (mother of Jesus) a "skank", voted for Collins three times, did not vote for Biden in 2020 and did not vote for Harris in 2024, posted that he enlisted in the Marines to have an adventure and "kill people", falsely claimed that he bought his house with a VA mortgage when his rich father gave him the money, and *accidentally* had a Nazi tattoo on his chest for more than a decade, a fact that we know because he likes to buffoon around in public with his shirt off.

------------------------------------------------

Now for the question at hand: Did the high powered consultants and influencers who astroturfed his campaign vet him? It's possible that the answer is "yes" and equally possible that they didn't care.

Did everybody on his team know about his history at the outset of the campaign? Probably not. Three high level campaign staffers resigned in October 2025 when the stories started breaking. Platner required NDA agreements going forward.

There will be three Democratic candidates on the ranked choice ME ballot on June 9. Platner is only one of them.



lapucelle

(21,171 posts)
124. Did I mention that Platner sounded a bit wistful that urinating on [enemy] bodies is now a "poor choice,
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 06:53 AM
10 hrs ago

but only because of the current state of media affairs"?


misanthrope

(9,653 posts)
121. The person you describe
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 03:03 AM
14 hrs ago

sounds like a high risk to go full Fetterman/Sinema if they were to get in office.

Nixie

(18,144 posts)
159. This is the issue. It's amazing the kerfuffle over non-Mainers
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 01:31 PM
4 hrs ago

wondering if the same types who believed everything John Fetterman said are now doing the same thing with this guy. That is a wasted senate seat, and people notice stuff like that.

Emile

(43,527 posts)
162. Chuck Schumer endorsed Fetterman.
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 02:21 PM
3 hrs ago

Chuck Schumer gave $1 million to John Fetterman's campaign. Now Chuck Schumer is doing the same thing with Mills.

Nixie

(18,144 posts)
165. Chuck Schumer promoted Janet Mills. But she dropped out.
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 02:52 PM
2 hrs ago

It was the Bernie people who found Platner. They also found Fetterman.

Emile

(43,527 posts)
171. Yes you are half correct. Us Bernie people know we were fooled by a centrist.
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 03:08 PM
2 hrs ago

We know Mills is running as a centrist, so does Chuck Schumer.

Nixie

(18,144 posts)
168. Bernie Sanders backed John Fetterman prevails in Pennsylvania
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 03:02 PM
2 hrs ago
https://reason.com/2022/11/09/bernie-sanders-backed-john-fetterman-prevails-in-pennsylvania/

"a firebrand progressive"

"Fetterman, a firebrand progressive who had been endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I–Vt.), overcame concerns about his health after suffering a stroke in May, and a shaky debate performance, to prevail after an intensely negative campaign."

lapucelle

(21,171 posts)
178. Didn't Sanders also elevate Tulsi Gabbard and Nina Turner?
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 04:23 PM
1 hr ago

I remember when Sanders endorsed and then un-endorsed Cenk Uyger.

Bernie Sanders retracts Cenk Uyger endorsement after backlash

Sanders had come under fire from supporters for backing someone who had made demeaning and controversial comments about women, Muslims and African Americans.

Sen. Bernie Sanders pulled his endorsement for a California congressional candidate on Friday after coming under fire for supporting the online news personality who has made degrading comments about African Americans and women.

In a statement posted online, Sanders said Uygur “will serve ordinary people, not powerful special interests. He is a voice that we desperately need in Congress & will be a great representative for CA-25 and the country.

In one blog post from 2000, Uygur wrote that “obviously, the genes of women are flawed. They are poorly designed creatures who do not want to have sex nearly as often as needed for the human race to get along peaceably and fruitfully.”

Uygur also came under fire for using the N-word on his show multiple times. He acknowledged this week that “The Young Turks" had a policy of using the N-word when quoting racists as a means of mocking them but stopped after complaints.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/bernie-sanders-retracts-cenk-uyger-endorsement-after-backlash-n1102171

Gabbard, Turner, Uyger, Fetterman, and now Platner. He sure can pick 'em.

lapucelle

(21,171 posts)
106. That's not true. Three Democrats will be on the June 9 ballot: Platner, Mills, and David Costello.
Sun May 31, 2026, 09:37 PM
19 hrs ago

sop

(19,510 posts)
127. Costello's polling at 3 to 4%, Mills withdrew from the race, and Platner is the presumptive nominee.
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 07:32 AM
10 hrs ago

lapucelle

(21,171 posts)
128. So it hasn't been determined that "the only choice will be Platner or Collins",
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 07:38 AM
9 hrs ago

and it's not too late for Platner to do the decent thing and drop out and for Democrats to rally behind Costello.

I, too, would prefer that Collins not be re-elected and that Platner not be a drag on every Democrat running in 2026.



sop

(19,510 posts)
131. You're right, it's never too late; Mills could re-enter the race and Platner could do the decent thing and drop out.
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 07:47 AM
9 hrs ago

In the real world, however, everyone agrees it will be Platner and Collins in the general election.

lapucelle

(21,171 posts)
134. Mills is still on the ballot, but I'm not sure why David Costello is being dismissed out of hand.
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 07:53 AM
9 hrs ago

He's a Democrat with experience in government and a history of public service. And he's lived in Maine his whole life.

Americanme

(570 posts)
5. I do believe Platner's explanation.
Sun May 31, 2026, 12:56 PM
Yesterday

I myself have gone to a tattoo shop, looked at all the skull designs, and picked one, without researching the history of each skull design. I wasn't born until 1962, I don't know all of the nazi symbolism, I sure never heard of a totenkopf before this story broke. His story makes sense to me, especially when his social media history has many mentions of how he hates nazis.

Americanme

(570 posts)
54. I have not heard his explanation for that, or even what the texts were about.
Sun May 31, 2026, 05:05 PM
Yesterday

But I did watch his wife's video, she says it's a non-issue. She feels betrayed by the former friend/campaign worker who blabbed.

LisaL

(47,614 posts)
63. I find that hilarious.
Sun May 31, 2026, 05:21 PM
Yesterday

She didn't think his sexting was going to come out? He is running for senate, last time I checked.
If you don't want your behavior scrutinized, it's not a good idea to run for prominent public office.

Americanme

(570 posts)
99. On that, I agree 100%.
Sun May 31, 2026, 08:32 PM
21 hrs ago

I've always said, if you want your life private, don't run for public office.

intheflow

(30,273 posts)
142. Nice switch.
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 11:11 AM
6 hrs ago

If someone answers thoughtfully. by all means, don't respond to that, just change the line of attack.

EX500rider

(12,799 posts)
56. Getting it drunk sure, possible, having it for almost 20 years without knowing seems very unlikely to me
Sun May 31, 2026, 05:09 PM
Yesterday

LisaL

(47,614 posts)
111. WTF does it have to do with running for office?
Sun May 31, 2026, 10:11 PM
19 hrs ago

If you got a Nazi tattoo without realizing it, would you not want it gone?

DetroitLegalBeagle

(2,532 posts)
135. Because it wasnt a problem until he ran
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 08:44 AM
8 hrs ago

And there is no way he went 20 years without knowing exactly what it was. I could believe he got while drunk. There is zero chance a self described ww2 and history buff didn't know he had a totenkopf on his chest though. And even if he's lying about his interests in history and ww2, there is no chance you go 20 years without realizing what it is or someone else noticing it and saying something.

This would be less of an issue if he got it covered over within a year of getting it, not 2 decades later and only when it would become a problem for an election run.

Nixie

(18,144 posts)
7. Amen to everything. If he was so indoctrinated in the military as is claimed,
Sun May 31, 2026, 01:02 PM
Yesterday

he knew what he was doing with the tattoo.

My concern (yes it’s a concern but more a curiosity since I usually only notice him here) — where is his criticism of Bush/Cheney?? He fought and reenlisted in their phony wars, saw his comrades and peers die for nothing, yet his most vocal and consistent messaging is against Democrats. Things don’t add up.

Edit: maybe there is something from him that criticizes specifically Bush/Cheney. I would be curious to see it.

Nixie

(18,144 posts)
49. This is better than nothing, but I was actually hoping for his
Sun May 31, 2026, 04:46 PM
Yesterday

own dialogue that would indicate his awareness that Bush/Cheney were responsible for the war and lied to make it happen. It would seem he would be conversant in their deceptive policies. He seems very wordy with his criticism of Democrats.

AloeVera

(4,474 posts)
68. Of course he's criticized Bush/ Cheney!
Sun May 31, 2026, 05:34 PM
23 hrs ago

I don't know why you assume he hasn't, when a quick search would prove your assumption wrong.

Oh well, perhaps its just the latest talking point about Platner. I'm sure he'll have the kitchen sink thrown at him too eventually.

When Cheney died, Platner posted a video. Partial transcript:

Usually when a former vice president passes, we all take some time to mourn. As a veteran of the Iraq War, I’m going to say no, not this time,” Platner said in a video posted to the social platform X.

“Over the next couple days, I’m sure there are going to be thousands of think pieces written about his legacy, but the only legacy that we have to remember is that he wasted thousands of young American lives, hundreds of thousands of Iraqi lives, and trillions of dollars for absolutely nothing,”

“If we take anything away from this, it should be that we need to build a politics that keeps the politicians like Susan Collins, who support illegal foreign wars like the one in Iraq, accountable and get them out of office,”.






Nixie

(18,144 posts)
71. LOL, This is from after he started his senate campaign. Apparently you don't care about knowing why
Sun May 31, 2026, 05:47 PM
23 hrs ago

someone criticizes Democrats more than Republicans who started an evil and phony war.

And his main criticism is about Susan Collins.

Fail.

AloeVera

(4,474 posts)
75. Good Lord. He was not a public figure before then!
Sun May 31, 2026, 06:02 PM
23 hrs ago

Do you expect to see his opinions as a private citizen written up in the NYT?

What? Main criticism is about Susan Collins? Did you miss this part he said about CHENEY?

"...the only legacy that we have to remember is that he wasted thousands of young American lives, hundreds of thousands of Iraqi lives, and trillions of dollars for absolutely nothing.”

Nixie

(18,144 posts)
76. Good Lord, yourself. He was also a former Republican. His own words.
Sun May 31, 2026, 06:07 PM
23 hrs ago

Maybe that's why he had no criticism of them? and he enlisted and reenlisted in the wars. He was vocal about some things in his past that he's been opinionated about, but not about Bush/Cheney, apparently. I guess that's the way of former Republicans?? All his past Reddit comments are surfacing. There is more to the world than the New York Times, lol. Some people compare words with actions. Welcome to politics.

Edit: and he pivoted right to Collin’s as a campaign ad.

AloeVera

(4,474 posts)
79. I see..
Sun May 31, 2026, 06:21 PM
23 hrs ago

You didn't want him to use the opportunity of Cheney's death to attack Collins by linking the two? Is he not supposed to attack Collins?

He just can't do anything right in your view - even when he's doing EXACTLY what a democratic candidate is supposed to do. Why is that?

Platner had no formal Republicam affiliation. Did he say he was a Republican on Reddit, is that where this latest talking point on him is coming from?

Could you please point me to a citation? Reddit post? Any reference or evidence that he was a Republican at all? Many thanks in advance.

Nixie

(18,144 posts)
81. Hilarious that you now know nothing about him and are asking for all sorts of links that are all right here on
Sun May 31, 2026, 06:29 PM
23 hrs ago

this site, but you sure can ruminate all about AIPAC in relation to him in another post. It's not believable that you don't even know about his Reddit posts and you can't recall ever seeing anything at all about the content of those.

I think we're done here. Your so-called questions are just disingenuous, sorry.

AloeVera

(4,474 posts)
83. No sources, no evidence?
Sun May 31, 2026, 06:32 PM
23 hrs ago

Not even one source to verify your claim he was a Republican?

Yup, we're done.

Nixie

(18,144 posts)
86. More LOL. The answers are all over this site and you know it.
Sun May 31, 2026, 06:38 PM
22 hrs ago

If you are not conversant with his past, then that’s on you. You sure seem to know plenty about him in your other posts, including an AIPAC obsession. Bye now .

sheshe2

(98,640 posts)
107. His interview with NBC News.
Sun May 31, 2026, 09:58 PM
19 hrs ago

In a wide-ranging interview, Platner addressed the scandals that have engulfed his campaign and said he’s “very proud of who I am today” after the “arcs and valleys” of his life. He inveighed against “establishment politics,” dished on his tense relationship with national Democratic leaders, made the case that he’s more “electable” than Democratic Gov. Janet Mills and explained why he went from voting for Republican Sen. Susan Collins years ago to viewing her as an empty vessel today.


snip

Platner said he has “voted for Susan Collins at least once, possibly twice” but “it was a long time ago” — as the 72-year-old incumbent closes in on 30 years in the Senate.



“I also believed back then that she was a moderate. As time has gone by, I don’t believe that. I think that’s a charade, and it’s worn thin,” he said. “I see Collins as, frankly, just another self-interested, establishment politician who uses this kind of myth of their moderation to stay in power, but doesn’t really do anything with their power. She’s the chair of the Appropriations Committee. I was told for years that when she got the gavel, there was going to be a boon of riches for the state of Maine. That is not materializing.”

snip

In one of his posts, Platner wrote, “I got older and became a communist.” He said he has never considered himself to be a communist and that the comment was merely “internet s---posting — and also … if you read it’s very clear that I’m joking.”




https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/graham-platner-controversies-maine-senate-campaign-rcna240367

......................................

I originally posted this here:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221177331



................................................

He voted for her once.....maybe twice and that makes it most of his adult life since a Senator runs every 6 years.

AloeVera

(4,474 posts)
119. That doesn't make him a Republican. Political affiliation is determined by voter registration, not how you vote.
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 02:02 AM
15 hrs ago

Voting for a candidate does not legally make you a member of that party.

In Maine, it's not unheard of for Democrats to have voted for Susan Collins, the snake that she is presenting herself as a "moderate" - while voting for a Democrat for President.

Thanks for this but I'll still wait for someone to convince me with facts that he was a Republican. Like a public record of his voter registration.

Until then, I'll believe that it's a baseless accusation, one of many against him.

sheshe2

(98,640 posts)
120. Ummm K
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 02:42 AM
14 hrs ago
That doesn't make him a Republican. Political affiliation is determined by voter registration, not how you vote.
Voting for a candidate does not legally make you a member of that party.


When I was a youngster, I registered as an Independent because I thought it was a pretty cool thing to do. I had left my parents' house, which was a pretty miserable place to be at the time and wanted to be free!!! I only voted for the Democratic candidate, never the repuke and changed over to register as a D.


lapucelle

(21,171 posts)
125. Platner is a either serial mis-rememberer or a liar, though.
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 07:24 AM
10 hrs ago
Wannabe Democratic Nominee Platner told NBC news that he voted for Collins, "once, maybe twice".

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/graham-platner-controversies-maine-senate-campaign-rcna240367

==============================================

Wannabe Edgelord Platner told his friends on Reddit that he voted for Collins in every election in which I had the option."

Assuming that he bothered to vote once he turned 18, that would mean that Platner voted for Collins in 2002, 2008, and 2014.

==============================================











lapucelle

(21,171 posts)
126. Was Platner lying or *mis-remembering* when he spoke to CNN six months ago?
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 07:28 AM
10 hrs ago

How many skeletons have been unearthed since Platner spoke to Manu Raju in January?






lapucelle

(21,171 posts)
130. Was Platner lying or *mis-remembering* when he claimed to never have been "close to money"
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 07:43 AM
9 hrs ago

despite the fact that his parents were wealthy enough to send him to Hotchkiss, give him a mortgage *loan*, and buy him a business?

lapucelle

(21,171 posts)
123. Woh, Platner seems to be *mis-remembering* his record of voting for Collins.
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 06:33 AM
10 hrs ago

He told NBC news that he voted for Collins, "once, maybe twice".

Before he was running for anything as a Democrat, Platner told his friends on Reddit that he voted for Collins in every election in which I had the option."


Assuming that he bothered to vote once he turned 18, that would mean that Platner voted for Collins in 2002, 2008, and 2014.







Coolgoober

(401 posts)
110. Thanks AloeVera
Sun May 31, 2026, 10:09 PM
19 hrs ago

I didn't read these posts until way later. I just wanted to say thanks because I've run into the same thing on here where people will make a claim and swear on the holy Bible that it's true but will not under any circumstances provide you with a clip or article or post or whatever else is supposed to back up their claim. Just seems like they're full of shit

Old-8643

(29 posts)
161. please dont say DUers are full of shit
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 01:52 PM
3 hrs ago

If you use a qwerty keyboard, you have the letters G O O G L E
do your research.

EX500rider

(12,799 posts)
58. So protested the war then joined up to fight in it & re-enlisted to do so again?
Sun May 31, 2026, 05:12 PM
Yesterday

Then when out joined Blackwater to get back into it?
wierd

Takket

(23,826 posts)
8. look... he's going to face Susan Collins
Sun May 31, 2026, 01:05 PM
Yesterday

I really don't like this at all... i'm still kind of baffled at Mills and Platner are really all the Democratic Party could offer up for this race?

but regardless, i got one guy with a Nazi tattoo he says he didn't know about its meaning, and i got one women that has supported actual Nazi policies. so to me the choice here is pretty obvious, and I hope it is to Mainers as well.

My deeper fear is that we are walking right into another Manchin/Sinema/Fetterman trap and this guy is going to derail our agenda before if ever even starts if we actually manage to win the Senate. But nothing can be done about that because we already KNOW Collins is horrible.

PatSeg

(53,698 posts)
84. I suppose Platner
Sun May 31, 2026, 06:37 PM
22 hrs ago

is getting so much attention because he is a controversial candidate. That's rather depressing.

DonCoquixote

(13,987 posts)
14. he had the money top have it removed
Sun May 31, 2026, 01:14 PM
Yesterday

or altered, any decent tatoo parlor could have done that. Indeed, many tattoo artists willingly donate to prisons top wipe out nazi tattoos

https://astanzalaser.com/three-reasons-tattoo-artists-love-laser-tattoo-removal/

MineralMan

(151,717 posts)
15. Would He Vote Consistently with the Democratic Caucus?
Sun May 31, 2026, 01:20 PM
Yesterday

Only question that matters, really.

Otherwise we get someone who does not do that.

Question answered.

I don't vote in that state, anyhow. Do you?

PCB66

(193 posts)
16. Of course I'm not going to vote in that election
Sun May 31, 2026, 01:29 PM
Yesterday

being a Floridian but to me the most discerning thing about his candidacy is him dishonoring a fellow veteran and not apologizing for it.

That shows immaturity and an underling rage.

Ocelot II

(131,462 posts)
17. I am not a resident of Maine so I have to leave the fitness of their candidates up to people who are.
Sun May 31, 2026, 01:33 PM
Yesterday

Since their respective GOP and Dem candidates are Collins and Platner, the decision is binary (which includes not voting at all). Their Senator will be one or the other. We know what Collins is like. We know Platner has (or had) a tattoo of a symbol associated with Nazis. Seems to me that the more important issue is whether Platner himself is a Nazi, and whether he has ever said anything suggesting he sympathizes or agrees with Nazi principles. I'll have to leave that up to the voters in Maine to look into.

2naSalit

(103,967 posts)
21. The tattoo...
Sun May 31, 2026, 01:37 PM
Yesterday

Is highly problematic but his sexist texts and things he has posted really matter to those of us who were born without a penis.

sheshe2

(98,640 posts)
116. You are right on this point.
Sun May 31, 2026, 11:20 PM
18 hrs ago

I have posted about this elsewhere after watching the video. Something is off about it and that is all I will say on this board.

RandomNumbers

(19,269 posts)
23. I care about both, but neither is as bad as enabling the Rapist Felon Party.
Sun May 31, 2026, 01:41 PM
Yesterday

I wish Maine had nominated someone better. (on both tickets - it would be so nice to be able to choose between two excellent candidates for a change)

But I damned sure know which one is better for Maine and America. And it ain't the concerned doormat for the Rapist Felon Party.

Irish_Dem

(82,714 posts)
27. Why do I keep thinking about Sinema and Fetterman?
Sun May 31, 2026, 01:49 PM
Yesterday

Those names keep popping into my head right now for some odd reason.

Response to Irish_Dem (Reply #27)

ColoringFool

(1,196 posts)
69. Of Whose Values Do You Speak? And Are You Suggesting ......
Sun May 31, 2026, 05:42 PM
23 hrs ago

It should be "Sexual pervert bad. Nazi good." ⁉️⁉️⁉️

Irish_Dem

(82,714 posts)
78. Our new value system. As per instructions.
Sun May 31, 2026, 06:12 PM
23 hrs ago

Yes both are bad.

People with a moral core know that.

mr715

(4,369 posts)
30. I care about Susan Collins tattoos.
Sun May 31, 2026, 01:52 PM
Yesterday

Seriously, a barbed wire band on her bicep?

The woman is a sitting Senator and she has a Bugs Bunny tattooed on her lower back.

The indiginity.

GoodRaisin

(11,101 posts)
46. I care about Susan Collins sitting out Krasnov's crime spree of
Sun May 31, 2026, 04:12 PM
Yesterday

murder, kidnapping, larceny and corruption and saying nothing. Not even that she was concerned.

Maine voters will have to pick their poison or stay home. There are no sparkling candidates in this race.

Response to Chasstev365 (Original post)

LisaL

(47,614 posts)
39. As far as I am concerned, he might just be a perfect candidate, if he were a Republican.
Sun May 31, 2026, 02:35 PM
Yesterday

Sexting with multiple women while newly married? Check.
Nazi tattoo? Check.
That's perfection right there.

gulliver

(14,117 posts)
38. The midterms will give us a good read on direction
Sun May 31, 2026, 02:33 PM
Yesterday

I'd argue that losing to Trump was dispositive. I voted for Harris and Walz, but we lost every swing state.

Some folks think we weren't left enough. I won't go into a discussion about what is truly left and what is just performative. But some folks want to try what they think of as left and take it further. It looks like that's what we're going to try.

The good thing is, we'll have the result of that experiment after the midterms. I don't want to lose 2028. If we don't do very well in the midterms, that means the people who think of their definition of left as being the left and who got less than stellar results need to take a back seat and hand the mic to others as a matter of duty to the Democratic Party.

If we do exceedingly well in the midterms and win both Houses of Congress, then the people have spoken, and I'll accept that. Let the experiment be run.

Response to Chasstev365 (Original post)

AloeVera

(4,474 posts)
70. AIPAC has said he is a "direct threat to the US-Israel relationship".
Sun May 31, 2026, 05:43 PM
23 hrs ago

So as we see everywhere on media, all hands on deck, guns drawn and knives out.

If Platner survives, AIPAC and the Epstein class will have a well-deserved fit. Can't wait.

Always Blue

(72 posts)
170. Not really
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 03:04 PM
2 hrs ago

He is being targeted by them. Just like Thomas Massie was. Making an issue out of the tattoo is inane. AIPAC was behind it.

sarisataka

(22,874 posts)
175. Of course AIPAC is behind it
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 03:56 PM
1 hr ago

It was probably an AIPAC operative with him in the tattoo shop tricking him into getting it so he could be targeted when he ran for office years later.
"They" play the long game and "their" hand is in everything.




BTW would it still be inane to make an issue of a tattoo if it is a swastika- it's just an old south Asian good luck symbol...

Miami Blue

(391 posts)
41. I don't care about a tattoo
Sun May 31, 2026, 02:40 PM
Yesterday

That Platner put on his body when he was an
a naivé / ignorant young man.

How come no one is criticizing the drunkard / accused rapist, dishonorable, and the so-called Department of War's Secretary Pete Hegseth?

Pete Hegseth proudly shows his Nazi tattoos and then he identifies them and insists that they are only his “Christian” tattoos.

So Democrats don’t you fall into the Republicans' trap when we all well know that in reality these MAGA NAZIS.
Are the obnoxious members of the Pedo in Chief’s Nazi KKKult who attacked the Capitol Building and now they are asking for
“Reparation Money.”

Their KKK leader TyrantTraitorPedoTrump
is asserting currently the following:
👇🏻
“My followers all suffered systemic
Injustice, Political Prosecution, and
Government “Lawfare.”

Miami Blue

(391 posts)
48. Rogue, I think that you misunderstood me, so please review my statement again
Sun May 31, 2026, 04:46 PM
Yesterday

I was referring to the tattoos on Graham Platner’s body that he got, as a young and
naive man.
Which to my knowledge, nowadays he has covered -up with a new design of a Celtic
A dog and a cross.

On the contrary, the drunkard and alleged rapist
Pete Hegseth is still proudly showing his Nazi tattoos. Because he claims that his tattoos are “Christian” tattoos.

PS
It is my conviction that a self-identified Christian Nationalist like Pete Hegseth is an extremely dangerous individual in our society.

rogue emissary

(3,386 posts)
50. What did I miss understand in below question?
Sun May 31, 2026, 04:50 PM
Yesterday

"How come no one is criticizing the drunkard / accused rapist, dishonorable, and the so-called Department of War's Secretary Pete Hegseth?"

As I responded many did criticize pete as no Democrat voted for him.

RockRaven

(19,802 posts)
42. I care about a Senate majority.
Sun May 31, 2026, 02:55 PM
Yesterday

The dead are dead and will never be un-dead, I can do nothing about that. Preventing future atrocities is my goal, and that lies with getting Repugs out of office, every single one, no matter how undesirable or flawed the Democrat replacing them is.

And as I have neither a time machine nor an ability to dictate how Mainers vote, he's the fucking nominee now. Work with it, or quietly get the fuck out of the way.

RockRaven

(19,802 posts)
89. It is almost as if some people believe a news story 9 days out can swing an election polling 76-10-3.
Sun May 31, 2026, 06:43 PM
22 hrs ago

Those people can show an example where that has ever happened if they want anyone else to believe that. Meanwhile the rest can continue to deal with the world as it is, not how they might wish it to be.

RockRaven

(19,802 posts)
85. He IS the nominee. Mills suspended her campaign, the others are polling in the single digits, and it's a week away.
Sun May 31, 2026, 06:38 PM
22 hrs ago

The primary cake is baked.

I'm not saying I like it. I'm not saying anyone has to like it. But let's cut the pie-in-the-sky crap and deal with reality: he's winning the primary, and the choice now is to have that seat for Dems or have that seat for Repugs.

LisaL

(47,614 posts)
87. I am not optimistic about his chances in the general.
Sun May 31, 2026, 06:39 PM
22 hrs ago

That's all I have to say about this.

mr715

(4,369 posts)
109. I hope we both agree that should he win the nomination,
Sun May 31, 2026, 10:07 PM
19 hrs ago

you will be very happy that Susan Collins loses.

BWdem4life

(3,112 posts)
44. Not to mention
Sun May 31, 2026, 04:07 PM
Yesterday

He’s had plenty of opportunity to remove it or change it into something else.

luv2fly

(2,730 posts)
104. Shhhh....
Sun May 31, 2026, 09:21 PM
20 hrs ago

Facts contradict the distaste people have for past behaviors. None of that now!

LisaL

(47,614 posts)
66. It's skull and cross bones symbol.
Sun May 31, 2026, 05:23 PM
Yesterday

Utilized by neo-Nazis and white supremacist groups.

EX500rider

(12,799 posts)
62. Something worse IMO, the insignia worn by the Nazi Death Camp guards
Sun May 31, 2026, 05:20 PM
Yesterday
"Totenkopf" is German for "death's head" or skull and typically refers to a skull-and-crossbones image. During the Nazi era, Hitler's Schutzstaffel (SS) adopted one particular Totenkopf image as a symbol. Among other uses, it became the symbol of the SS-Totenkopfverbande (one of the original three branches of the SS, along with the Algemeine SS and the Waffen SS), whose purpose was to guard the concentration camps. Many original members of this organization were later transferred into and became the core of a Waffen SS division, the 3rd SS "Totenkopf" Panzer Division, which engaged in a number of war crimes during World War II.

Following the war, neo-Nazis and other white supremacists resurrected the Totenkopf as a hate symbol because of its importance to the SS and it has been a common hate symbol since. It is this particular image of a skull and crossbones that is considered a hate symbol, not any image of a skull and crossbones.


GCG

(129 posts)
137. It's been used by the German military for several centuries.
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 10:07 AM
7 hrs ago

That emblem can be traced all the way back to the early 19th Century

Prussia

Use of the Totenkopf in Germany as a military emblem began under Frederick the Great, who formed a regiment of Hussar cavalry in the Prussian army commanded by Colonel von Ruesch, the Husaren-Regiment Nr. 5 (von Ruesch). It adopted a black uniform with a Totenkopf emblazoned on the front of its mirlitons and wore it on the field in the War of Austrian Succession and in the Seven Years' War. The Totenkopf remained a part of the uniform when the regiment was reformed into Leib-Husaren Regiments Nr.1 and Nr.2 in 1808. The symbol was then granted 3 years later to the Spanish Army’s 8th Light Cavalry Regiment “Lusitania”, who were nicknamed “Los Dragones de la Muerte” (the Dragons of Death) and were granted use of the skull after the infamous Battle of Madonna dell'Olmo in 1744, where they suffered great casualties.

Brunswick

Totenkopf badge worn by the Brunswick Leibbataillon ("Life-Guard Battalion&quot at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815
In 1809, during the War of the Fifth Coalition, Frederick William, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel raised a force of volunteers to fight Napoleon Bonaparte, who had conquered the Duke's lands. The Brunswick Corps was provided with black uniforms, giving rise to their nickname, the Black Brunswickers. Both hussar cavalry and infantry in the force wore a Totenkopf badge, either in mourning for the duke's father, Charles William Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, who had been killed at the Battle of Jena–Auerstedt in 1806, or according to some sources, as a sign of revenge against the French. After fighting their way through Germany, the Black Brunswickers entered British service and fought with them in the Peninsular War and at the Battle of Waterloo. The Brunswick corps was eventually incorporated into the Prussian Army in 1866.

German Empire

The skull continued to be used by the Prussian and Brunswick armed forces until 1918, and some of the stormtroopers that led the last German offensives on the Western Front in 1918 used skull badges. Luftstreitkräfte fighter pilots Georg von Hantelmann and Kurt Adolf Monnington are just two of a number of Central Powers military pilots who used the Totenkopf as their personal aircraft insignia.

Weimar Republic

The Totenkopf was used in Germany throughout the interwar period, most prominently by the Freikorps. In 1933, it was in use by the regimental staff and the 1st, 5th, and 11th squadrons of the Reichswehr's 5th Cavalry Regiment as a continuation of a tradition from the Kaiserreich.

US Military

The U.S. military does not have an official, standard-issue "death's head" insignia. However, the skull and crossbones (Totenkopf) motif has occasionally appeared in unofficial unit patches and unofficial morale gear—though these have occasionally sparked investigations or controversy due to the symbol's historical ties to Nazi Germany's SS units.

UK
The death's head (skull and crossbones) is a historic military emblem used by the British Army, famously featured on the cap badge of The Royal Lancers (and their antecedent units, the 17th Lancers and the 17th/21st Lancers).

EX500rider

(12,799 posts)
146. Yes and the swastika was an ancient symbol used in Tibet
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 11:59 AM
5 hrs ago

Doesn't it make its current use any less odious

PCB66

(193 posts)
191. This reminds me of Hell's Angels
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 05:22 PM
10 min ago

It was first started by WWII Army Air Corps veterans. They bombed the shit out of the Nazis.

However, when they got home and started their little motorcycle club in LA many of them wore surplus German Army helmets.

LetMyPeopleVote

(182,783 posts)
64. Former Platner political director weighs in on his tattoo
Sun May 31, 2026, 05:21 PM
Yesterday

It is never a good sign when your political director resigns



oldmanlynn

(858 posts)
80. It was something he did 30 some years ago while a young soldier and didn't realize it and he calls it a mistake
Sun May 31, 2026, 06:26 PM
23 hrs ago

Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner has stated that his former chest tattoo, which resembled a Nazi Totenkopf or SS skull emblem, was an innocent mistake. He explained he chose the design as a 20-something Marine in Croatia in 2007 during a night of drinking, assuming it was just a typical skull and crossbones

LisaL

(47,614 posts)
82. Yea, sure.
Sun May 31, 2026, 06:31 PM
23 hrs ago

He might have done it many years ago, but he didn't cover it for many years either. And by the way, 30 years ago he was 11.
He didn't do it 30 years ago.

enid602

(9,768 posts)
88. Nazis
Sun May 31, 2026, 06:40 PM
22 hrs ago

There are dangerous Nazis out there: Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir, Smotrich, Daniella Weiss, etc. Maybe we should go after them instead of funding them.

LisaL

(47,614 posts)
92. Official number of Russian casualties is 20 millions.
Sun May 31, 2026, 07:22 PM
22 hrs ago

But yea, likely it was more.

sarisataka

(22,874 posts)
105. In 20 years being around Marine "tough guys"
Sun May 31, 2026, 09:35 PM
19 hrs ago

I never saw that particular skull design in any tattoo they wore.

It does match the skull insignia that was on every SS member's cap and was on the collar tab of concentration camp guards.

You, of course, are entitled to your own opinion.

AZProgressive

(30,022 posts)
103. I cared too
Sun May 31, 2026, 09:16 PM
20 hrs ago

Since he is the likely nominee for the Senate I'll take his explanation at face value and there's nothing else really to do. As far as his campaigning he is campaigning as an anti-racist. The Republicans have Nazi values without the tattoos though some have them like Hegseth but with Hegseth it is his current actions that show he is not a good person with or without the tattoos.

Platner whether you like him or not has done the hard work it takes to win a statewide election by declaring early and doing town halls all over the state the entire election cycle and it shows why he still has a lead over Susan Collins and is the likely winner of the Democratic primary despite the scandals.

Autumn

(49,028 posts)
129. I don't care about either. He was young and in the military. It's been covered up
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 07:39 AM
9 hrs ago

and he sure as fuck isn't a Nazi. The military promotes RW garbage. He seems to have grown up and gotten past it.

LisaL

(47,614 posts)
132. He might have been young when he got it, but he had it for nearly 20 years.
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 07:49 AM
9 hrs ago

Only covering it up last year.

Emile

(43,527 posts)
136. I wish you would make up your mind.
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 09:11 AM
8 hrs ago

According to you it was 30 years ago, now it's 20.

milestogo

(23,238 posts)
141. I can't believe that our party would even consider him as a candidate.
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 11:02 AM
6 hrs ago

For me thats a disqualifier.

Emile

(43,527 posts)
143. What things in his platform you against? Here
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 11:22 AM
6 hrs ago

is a list to help you.

Ban billionaires buying elections

Rebuild our failing healthcare system

Support Small Business – Break Up the Monopolies

Stop the mass deportation machine; pass real immigration reform

Defend our air, our water, our land and our climate

Decisive action on the housing crisis

Defend Medicare and Medicaid

Protect Social Security – before it goes bankrupt

End Billionaire Welfare, Pass a Cost-of-Living Tax Cut

Uphold tribal sovereignty and self-determination

Defend democracy and the Constitution

Strengthen our working waterfront

Support unions, and bring good union jobs to Maine

Defend and support public schools

Keep government out of our private lives; defend the right to choose

Protect Maine’s economy: raise the federal minimum wage

Equality for ALL

The War in Gaza

End the failed War on Drugs

Take on waste and corruption at the Pentagon; rebuild American shipbuilding

No more pointless wars

Address the childcare crisis

Support Americans with disabilities

Pay servicemen a fair wage; no more servicemen on food stamps

Defend the VA and support our veterans

Defend the Post Office and establish postal banking

Pass term limits – and hold politicians to their term limits pledges

milestogo

(23,238 posts)
149. Are we that hard up for candidates that we can't find someone who HAS NEVER had an antisemitic tattoo
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 12:34 PM
4 hrs ago

and HAS NEVER sent sexts to women he is not married to?

Really?

Is that how desperate we are?

Emile

(43,527 posts)
150. Really, this is a great candidate. Must
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 12:36 PM
4 hrs ago

be something in his platform you're against.

Response to milestogo (Reply #153)

mainer

(12,598 posts)
148. The future of the country is at stake.
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 12:31 PM
5 hrs ago

And all people can talk about is tattoos and sexting?

questionseverything

(12,016 posts)
163. Kids are crying from hunger as they wait in food bank lines
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 02:21 PM
3 hrs ago

Which is directly tied to republicans and their support of Israel

Iran announced they are permanently closing the strait because Israel will not stop bombing it’s neighbors but that gets ignored by du



questionseverything

(12,016 posts)
180. It's the fault of Israel supporting politicians both republican and democratic
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 04:26 PM
1 hr ago

Those pols have many millions to support Israel and nothing to feed our own people

vapor2

(4,998 posts)
152. I care about both, the sexting indicates his charactor
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 12:39 PM
4 hrs ago

and recall that Al Franken was forced to resign for a photo

Torchlight

(7,105 posts)
167. A good cause and a polished image can hide just about anything.
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 03:00 PM
2 hrs ago

"With devotion's visage and pious action we do sugar over the devil himself" (WS)

standingtall

(3,194 posts)
174. The whole sexting scandal just broke and still people mostly want to talk about his tattoo
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 03:46 PM
1 hr ago

and antisemitism. Well Robert Byrd was a member of the KKK at one point in his life. Still ended up being a really good Democratic Senator way better than Joe Manchin. Albert Parsons was a confederate soldier and then denounced confederacy and helped black people to register to vote at least before becoming an anarchist. Fetterman vibes? He may have voted or been a republican at one point in his life? Hilary Clinton was a republican at one point in her life too. People can have genuine ideological shifts it can happen so I doubt he will be another Fetterman. I wont sugarcoat it though the sexting thing is not a good look. We need to know if all parties involved in the sexting were willing participants or if it was just harassment, but he was still newly married so not good either way, but I think he can survive the sexting scandal if the women involved were willingly participating, but I don't have a vote in Maine.

mainer

(12,598 posts)
176. False rumors flying about Platner
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 04:04 PM
1 hr ago

There's a wild rumor all over X now that Platner referred to his penis as "Mein Fuhrer", with a so-called screenshot from the Wall Street Journal.

It's fake. The Wall Street Journal printed no such thing, and fact checkers have deemed it a fake. Yet everyone seems to believe that's really what Platner texted. The fact that so many lies are being spread about this man tells me the GOP is really, really afraid of him winning.


?s=20

lapfog_1

(32,022 posts)
177. nothing about him says "Senator Platner"
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 04:16 PM
1 hr ago

and I felt the same way about Fetterman... but I donated to Fetterman anyway. Oops.

Emile

(43,527 posts)
182. "Well, calling himself 'Senator Platner' on his resume is usually the first step to changing that."
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 04:31 PM
1 hr ago

Nanjeanne

(6,679 posts)
187. I like Chris Murphy's response to this... maybe other Dems should think like Murphy
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 04:54 PM
38 min ago
Murphy said he hadn’t followed the texting story as closely as others but said Platner was still the best opponent for incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine).

“Graham Platner is somebody who served our country, he’s served his community; he’s also made mistakes and he’s admitted that,” Murphy said during an appearance on CBS’s “Face the Nation.”

“Character also involves standing up to people who are bankrupting and corrupting this country. And this race is going to be a contrast between somebody who has put his life on the line for this country, against somebody who is literally empowering the moral hollowing-out of our nation from the White House,” the lawmaker added.


https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5903805-murphy-backs-platner-senate-race/]

PCB66

(193 posts)
190. The more we learn about him
Mon Jun 1, 2026, 05:14 PM
18 min ago

the more flawed he seems.

It may boil down to electing the party and not the individual.

Surely as Democrats we could have found somebody better than him.

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