Platner's Controversial Reddit Posts Spark Debate on Electability and Classism

Maine Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing intense scrutiny following the resurfacing of numerous controversial Reddit posts made years prior to his current campaign. The unearthed comments, which include remarks on racial stereotypes, political violence, and military sexual assault, have ignited a broader discussion on the nature of political correctness and candidate appeal in contemporary politics.

Among the posts, Platner, a Marine and U.S. Army veteran, reportedly questioned why Black people "don't tip" in a 2013 thread, stating, "I work as a bartender and it always amazes me how solid this stereotype is." Other comments from 2018 allegedly advocated for armed resistance against fascism, with Platner writing, "an armed working class is a requirement for economic justice." He also reportedly referred to himself as a "communist" and called police "bastards" in posts from 2020-2021, and described rural white Americans as "racist and stupid."

Platner has since disavowed many of the comments, attributing them to a period of "disillusionment" after his military service. In a video statement, he expressed regret, saying, "I don’t want people to judge me off the dumbest thing I said on the internet 12 years ago. I would like people to engage with who I am today." He also told CNN that some posts were "me f***ing around the internet" and clarified, "I’m not a communist. I’m not a socialist. I own a small business. I’m a Marine Corps veteran."

Independent journalist Lee Fang, commenting on the situation, suggested that the "kerfuffle" highlights how "American classism is rigidly policed through political correctness." Fang further posited that Platner's Reddit posts, by making him "sound like a normal person," could paradoxically enhance his electability in the current political climate. This perspective introduces a nuanced angle to the controversy, suggesting that public perception of authenticity might outweigh traditional political correctness for some voters.

The revelations come as Platner, an oyster farmer, launched a grassroots-backed campaign to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, and as Maine Governor Janet Mills entered the Democratic primary, setting the stage for a competitive race. The controversy has already led to some campaign staff resignations, underscoring the immediate impact on his candidacy.