Maine Senate Candidate Apologizes For Inflammatory Reddit Posts
Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, a Democrat challenging Republican Sen. Susan Collins, released a lengthy apology video on Friday following the revelation of controversial Reddit posts he made in recent years.
Platner, a former member of the United States Marine Corps and the Maryland Army National Guard, expressed regret for the statements he had made. In a video shared on social media, he stated, “As I read through them, I read things that I absolutely do not agree with. I read through and I see things that words and statements that I abhor.”
The apology came after CNN confronted Platner about his past remarks on Reddit, where he identified as a “communist” and expressed disillusionment with patriotic ideals after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Further troubling comments were uncovered by The Washington Post. In these posts, Platner downplayed concerns about sexual assault in the military, sparking outrage.
Although Platner did not directly address these specific comments in his apology video, he acknowledged the impact of his military service on his mindset. He admitted to carrying remnants of the “very male-dominated” and “masculine” military culture even after leaving in 2012.
Describing his post-service struggles with PTSD and depression, Platner emphasized his growth and transformation. He sought understanding from voters, urging them not to judge him based on past online remarks.
Platner, endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and working as an oyster farmer, also issued apologies to The Washington Post and called for a chance to showcase his present character.
