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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsME-SEN: Senate candidate Graham Platner apologizes for using slur in interview
PORTLAND, Maine Graham Platner, a candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, offered an apology on Wednesday after he used a slur against people with intellectual disabilities in a recent interview.
In an article published on Saturday by The Maine Monitor, Platner was quoted using the slur when talking about the controversy surrounding a tattoo he had that resembled a Nazi symbol. Platner had the tattoo covered up in October 2025, 18 years after he got it in Split, Croatia, while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Platner also used the slur in a Reddit post that he made several years ago, which has since been deleted.
"I am sorry. I'm sorry that I said it. I am endeavoring to improve every single day. I am not a perfect person, and I continue to try to be better," Platner said. "I will say that my politics is one of inclusivity and one of showing up for everybody, and I will continue every day to represent that in our policies and in our campaign."
https://www.wmtw.com/article/graham-platner-controversy-r-word-maine-senate-candidate/71030038
hlthe2b
(114,168 posts)perpetual "concern," I do predict. This guy is likely to bubble over with all the temporarily contained bigotry, racism, misogyny, and very NON-DEMOCRATIC viewpoints.
Nanjeanne
(6,608 posts)leftstreet
(41,056 posts)Regardless of what anyone thinks of him, it's probably too late to take him down expect him to withdraw
He's been packing town halls and rallies for months, over 50+ different locations throughout Maine. His audience demographics mirror the state's : the most elderly in the nation
Seems like he's a done deal.
The question now is can he beat Collins
W_HAMILTON
(10,372 posts)Do you think he has news for the Republican Establishment and the Democratic Establishment that he can't be stopped too?
2naSalit
(103,287 posts)Of his town hall events, he even had one in my little town a couple weeks ago. I might have gone to it but you had to RSVP through a QRC in the news paper to get in.
I'm not favorably impressed with this guy, we don't a novice with no public speaking manners.
JI7
(93,737 posts)JBTaurus83
(1,541 posts)Has this guy ever had to apply for a job working with the public? It seems like he cannot open his trap without something damaging coming out of it. I do hope if he is the nominee he can take Collins out, but, he just seems like a walking senate resignation waiting to happen.
EdmondDantes_
(1,949 posts)You can't blame growing up with it, it's no longer on the acceptable vernacular. It also further makes me skeptical he's changed on his other views
Omnipresent
(7,481 posts)Her voting record does more damage than his mouth could ever do.
EdmondDantes_
(1,949 posts)His words are all we've got to judge him on. And those words, over a prolonged period have been to belittle and demean others. Not being Susan Collins isn't where my bar is, especially not during a primary.
I have some position differences with Mills, but I also volunteer with Special Olympics and and strangely enough I don't want to support someone who is still using slurs against that population.
Omnipresent
(7,481 posts)Theyve done far more destruction with their dictator in chief in charge since last year.
Susan Collins is careful with her words, but i wouldnt leave her in her current job by not voting for her opponent.
EdmondDantes_
(1,949 posts)It's effectively Mills or Platner
SSJVegeta
(2,895 posts)With all his faults he is still probably a step up(or several) from Collins. But do we really need to settle for this?
displacedvermoter
(4,723 posts)I don't think he would beat Collins, I am afraid. Something really bad is likely lurking out there, and forgive me but he speaks like Markwayne the Plumbing Contractor, not real articulate. And I don't really trust him in the Senate should he win. And I am not sure what Warren and Sanders are seeing that I am not, or perhaps not seeing?
Could it be Schumer and company are banking on him actually attracting a number of hardcore Trumpists? To these folks the Nazi tattoos, below average smarts, and propensity to say very vile things only add to the attraction. But will they be able to rein him in should the strategy actually work and he wins the Senate seat?
Christ, wasn't there a mayor, or state senator, or state commissioner out there who could offer a better alternative -- for folks who find Mills out of step -- than this?
Again, Jeezus ....
RandySF
(85,075 posts)displacedvermoter
(4,723 posts)how we have reached the point that the progressive option in a Senate race is a guy with Nazi tattoos. I have to believe there are strategic maneuverings going on.
I have tried calling Bernie's office earlier to get his take on his endorsement. I will be interested to hear.
RandySF
(85,075 posts)displacedvermoter
(4,723 posts)they've gone all the way, so to speak.
Torchlight
(6,922 posts)The justifications are lazy and the rationalizations meritless. He is showing everyone the content of his character.