Full story
Senate Candidate Tattoo Controversy
Maine Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner is under scrutiny after revealing he covered a skull-and-crossbones tattoo widely recognized as a Nazi Totenkopf.
“Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, revealed that he has covered a skull and crossbones tattoo on his chest, which is widely recognized as a Nazi symbol.”
Platner says he got the tattoo in 2007 while serving in the Marine Corps during a night of drinking in Croatia and was unaware of its Nazi associations until recently.
He opted to cover the tattoo due to limited removal options in rural Maine.
Platner has also said the tattoo was never raised during his military service or security clearance process.
The tattoo controversy surfaced alongside scrutiny of his deleted online posts containing controversial remarks.
Despite the issues, he remains in the race with support from some national Democrats.
Controversy Over Image Awareness
Whether Platner knew of the image’s Nazi meaning years ago is disputed across outlets.
The Daily Wire (Western Alternative) reports an acquaintance’s 2012 account that suggests Platner was aware of its Nazi affiliation when he got it.
By contrast, multiple mainstream outlets report Platner says he was unaware until recently, including CNN and CBS.
Newsweek likewise reports he said he was unaware and that he planned removal.
All agree he has now concealed the original design under a cover-up.
Media Reactions to Political Controversy
Reactions and political stakes are framed differently by source type.
“Independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has defended Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner of Maine ... expressing confidence in his candidacy.”
Salon, a Western alternative outlet, highlights that Bernie Sanders defended Platner, praising his service and expressing confidence in him.
Newsweek, a Western mainstream source, underscores criticism from former staff and warns the controversy could damage Platner's standing in a competitive primary as Democrats eye Susan Collins’ seat.
CBS News, another Western mainstream outlet, notes the DNC chair called Platner’s past comments offensive but emphasized belief in second chances.
Fortune and Spectrum News, representing Western mainstream and local Western perspectives respectively, put the saga in a broader context by describing a trend of candidates staying in races despite serious controversies.
Media Coverage of Platner's Posts
Coverage of Platner’s old online posts varies in focus across different news outlets.
CNN and ABC News highlight that the deleted posts included dismissive remarks about military sexual assault and comments about Black patrons, police, and rural Americans.
Both CNN and ABC News report that Platner apologized and said the behavior stemmed from PTSD and depression after leaving the Army in 2012.
CBS News states that Platner described the posts as attempts to provoke online and said they were 'not reflective of his true views.'
Newsweek quotes Platner calling the posts 'dumb jokes.'
Salon summarizes the criticisms but frames them as 'immature internet behavior,' while noting Sanders’ continued support.
Tattoo Controversy and Campaign
There is inconsistency over whether the tattoo will be removed or kept covered.
“Graham Platner ... announced he will remove a tattoo on his chest that features a skull and crossbones image widely recognized as a Nazi symbol.”
ABC News reports Platner will remove it, while CNN and CBS say he covered it because removal options are limited in rural Maine.
Букви likewise reports he chose to cover the tattoo.
Several outlets note Platner’s claim that the tattoo never affected his military screening or security clearances.
Coverage also situates the campaign: he is an oyster farmer running a progressive bid against longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Platner is planning a town hall in Ogunquit and rejecting calls to withdraw.
According to Daily Wire, he denied on Pod Save America that he is a Nazi.