Maine Senate Candidate Platner Faces Backlash Over Deleted Posts Mocking Veterans, May 27

Graham Platner, Maine’s presumptive Democratic Senate nominee, is facing severe backlash over deleted Reddit posts in which he mocked a Purple Heart veteran and criticized Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. The 41-year-old Marine Corps veteran, who served four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, posted offensive comments under the username “P-Hustle” between 2013 and 2019. He now attributes the posts to depression and PTSD but refuses to apologize, complicating his bid to replace Republican Senator Susan Collins.

Deleted Posts Target Wounded Soldier

In June 2019, Platner posted about a viral video showing Army Pfc. Ted Daniels being shot four times by Taliban fighters in 2012. Daniels earned a Purple Heart for his injuries. Platner wrote that Daniels “didn’t deserve to live” and called him a “dumb motherf—er,” claiming poor Taliban marksmanship saved Daniels’ life. The post was deleted but remains searchable in the Maine Monitor’s database of Platner’s Reddit history. Daniels later explained he deliberately exposed himself to draw fire away from his unit.

Veteran Rejects Apology Offer

When confronted by Fox News Digital, Platner declined to apologize. Daniels responded by saying he does not want an apology and does not respect Platner. “There’s zero-to-no respect for a self-proclaimed communist,” Daniels said. He contrasted those who “run towards gunfire” with those who “run toward keyboards.” Daniels shredded Platner’s PTSD excuse, questioning why the candidate now cites mental health struggles when he previously dismissed such claims online.

Chris Kyle Comments Spark Widow’s Anger

Platner also targeted Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, the subject of the film “American Sniper,” in an unearthed interview where he suggested Kyle killed civilians to inflate his numbers. Taya Kyle, the late SEAL’s widow, fired back at Platner over the comments. Platner also released an ad slamming the Red Sox over private equity ownership, which the team’s network pulled for violating advertising standards. The removal gave Platner a platform to attack the team’s wealthy owners.

Pattern of Offensive Social Media Posts

Platner’s deleted Reddit history contains thousands of posts with controversial statements about race, sexuality, and political violence. He described himself as a “communist” and “socialist,” used alleged homophobic slurs, and praised Hamas military tactics. In 2013, he posted racist jokes about tipping practices. Platner apologized for the posts, saying they do not reflect who he is today and asking voters not to judge him on “the dumbest thing I ever wrote on the internet.” Critics including former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze said military culture does not tolerate jokes mocking fallen or wounded soldiers.

Final Thoughts

Platner’s refusal to apologize and his history of mocking veterans significantly damage his Senate campaign. With military voters and their families now mobilized against him, his path to defeating Collins has narrowed considerably.

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