Platner Blames Military Culture for Nazi-Linked Tattoo, Faces Backlash

Graham Platner told Major Garrett that a 'hyper-masculine' infantry culture and four tours shaped his past views and a Totenkopf tattoo, prompting bipartisan criticism as he leads his Democratic primary by large margins.

Overview

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1.

Graham Platner told Major Garrett on The Takeout that the military's "hyper-masculine, hyper-violent" infantry culture and his four tours colored his past opinions and the Totenkopf tattoo on his chest.

2.

The comments revive scrutiny from reporting that Platner had a Totenkopf skull-and-crossbones tattoo closely associated with the SS and had posted offensive Reddit comments years earlier.

3.

Veterans and Republican officials including Rep. Don Bacon, who said he served nearly 30 years without seeing a Nazi tattoo, and Sen. Tim Sheehy criticized Platner's explanation.

4.

Platner is polling an average of 25 points ahead of former Gov. Janet Mills in polls conducted in February and March, and the primary winner will face Sen. Susan Collins in November's general election.

5.

Operatives close to Sen. Chuck Schumer have told people they believe Platner cannot defeat Collins, while Platner's campaign has sought reconciliation with Jewish communities and covered the tattoo.

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