# Are there any reasons to reject Graham Platner in Maine (campaign suspended July 8, 2026) **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [March 4, 2026, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179 "2026-03-04T03:50:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 22
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/423 "2026-05-04T19:09:09Z")
Not working for me. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/424 "2026-05-04T19:09:35Z")
> [@Stratocaster](#): > > Not working for me …can you give me literally any more info than that if you want help troubleshooting? ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/425 "2026-05-04T19:09:35Z")
> [@Stratocaster](#): > > > [@Babale](#): > > > > But he is _lying about that_ because he told his friends it was “my Totenkopf” for years and references footage of soldiers with a Totenkopf on Reddit. > > Is there a cite for this? I asked for this earlier as well, after @Babale linked to a Unddit post as his cite that was blank. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/426 "2026-05-04T19:10:10Z")
It’s not blank for me. What exactly do you see on your end? I can try to help you troubleshoot. ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/427 "2026-05-04T19:10:47Z")
Yes, it’s blank. And in the upper right corner, it says “Could not connect to Reddit”. It also says: “removed comments: 0/0 (0.0%) deleted comments: 0/0 (0.0%)” ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/428 "2026-05-04T19:11:19Z")
> [@DigitalC](#): > > It is self evident and absolutely blatant. Demonstrate its blatantless, then. I’m sure there must be PLENTY of examples of Platner espousing Nazi rhetoric, declaring his hatred of Jews, praising Hitler, and so on if it’s so evident what he believes in. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/429 "2026-05-04T19:11:33Z")
It says “Could not connect to Reddit.” “Comments deleted” below that. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/430 "2026-05-04T19:13:12Z")
Alright, well, it’s a Reddit thread where someone posted a picture of some SS troops, and someone asks “Just out of curiosity - how do you know they’re SS? What gives them away? Is it the camo?”. Someone else replied “The totenkopf on the dude first on the left is a good clue.” This leads to a back and forth discussion between a few posters about Totenkopfs and other skulls used by troops in combat. Platner (P-Hustle) weighs in: "When I was in Ramadi in ‘06 as a Marine grunt, the SEAL platoon we worked closely with for the deployment all had the Punisher skull spray painted on their armor carriers. There’s no question it’s far more prevalent on all the dumbass Grunt Style and Nine Line shirts these days, but the teams definitely adopted it for a while." ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/431 "2026-05-04T19:14:32Z")
> [@robby](#): > > It also says: > “removed comments: 0/0 (0.0%) deleted comments: 0/0 (0.0%)” That’s what it tells me at first, and then with no action on my part it loads a thread titled “Battle-weary SS” and updates to: removed comments: 2/79 (2.5%) deleted comments: 7/79 (8.9%) ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/432 "2026-05-04T19:15:25Z")
This reads to me like he thought he was getting a Punisher tattoo. ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/433 "2026-05-04T19:16:08Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > > [@robby](#): > > > > It also says: > > “removed comments: 0/0 (0.0%) deleted comments: 0/0 (0.0%)” > > That’s what it tells me at first, and then with no action on my part it loads a thread titled “Battle-weary SS” and updates to: > > removed comments: 2/79 (2.5%) > deleted comments: 7/79 (8.9%) Gotcha. For whatever reason, it never updates for me. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/434 "2026-05-04T19:16:41Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > This reads to me like he thought he was getting a Punisher tattoo I agree that Platner is undoubtedly incredibly stupid, but I find it hard to believe that he’s _so_ stupid that he’d confuse spray painting something onto body armor with getting a tattoo. And if he IS that dumb he definitely doesn’t belong in office. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/435 "2026-05-04T19:19:02Z")
What was the date of this exchange? Sorry if you already indicated. ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/436 "2026-05-04T19:20:02Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > This reads to me like he thought he was getting a Punisher tattoo. And it doesn’t sound like Platner was even part of the Totenkopf discussion. Is that the best cite you’ve got, @Babale? ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/437 "2026-05-04T19:21:14Z")
> [@Stratocaster](#): > > What was the date of this exchange? Feb 26, 2019, 5:32:38 AM PST ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/438 "2026-05-04T19:21:18Z")
> [@robby](#): > > I asked for this earlier as well, after @Babale linked to a Unddit post as his cite that was blank. Worked just fine for me, what are you getting? ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/439 "2026-05-04T19:23:27Z")
> [@DigitalC](#): > > > [@robby](#): > > > > I asked for this earlier as well, after @Babale linked to a Unddit post as his cite that was blank. > > Worked just fine for me, what are you getting? See Post #427 above: > [@Are there any reasons to reject Graham Platner in Maine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine/1028179/427): > > Yes, it’s blank. And in the upper right corner, it says “Could not connect to Reddit”. It also says: “removed comments: 0/0 (0.0%) deleted comments: 0/0 (0.0%)” Maybe I should try another browser. I’m currently on an iPad running Safari. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/440 "2026-05-04T19:24:36Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > That’s what it tells me at first, and then with no action on my part it loads a thread titled “Battle-weary SS” and updates to: > > removed comments: 2/79 (2.5%) > deleted comments: 7/79 (8.9%) That’s how it’s working for me. It’s not a long exchange, so I’ll just repost it here. I’m changing the other posters names, just because it’s harder to C&P the names without getting a bunch of extra formatting. The quotes are nested in the original: each post is a direct response to the preceding post. **Poster A:** The totenkopf on the dude first on the left is a good clue. **Poster B:** _has literal human skulls on uniform_ “Ignore that we’re the good guys” Edit: just so everyone is fully aware it’s a joke **Poster C:** Many soldiers still use the skull as an emblem (see the Punisher skull for the SEALs) or regiment emblems all around the world. It’s a way of making others fear them and all. Also I understand the reference btw. NOT SAYING THE SS WERE GOOD GUYS DON’T GET ME WRONG **Poster D:** Punisher is a kind of unofficial emblem and it’s more something some individuals do. I’ve seen it more on civvy and moto stuff than on actual servicemen. **Platner:** When I was in Ramadi in ‘06 as a Marine grunt, the SEAL platoon we worked closely with for the deployment all had the Punisher skull spray painted on their armor carriers. There’s no question it’s far more prevalent on all the dumbass Grunt Style and Nine Line shirts these days, but the teams definitely adopted it for a while. [This is the photo they’re discussing.](https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/attachments/history-research-third-reich-ww2/1144115d1513945568-waffen-ss-camouflage-period-photos-afterthebattle.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/441 "2026-05-04T19:25:39Z")
> [@robby](#): > > Is that the best cite you’ve got, @Babale? I think the most damning evidence is his friend who told multiple media sources that Platner has been referring to his tattoo with the cutesy nickname “My Totenkopf” since 2012. But the last time I posted that link I got multiple complaints about how the original source that broke the story was a Jewish source, so… [https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/21/graham-platner-tattoo-nazi-00617686](https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/21/graham-platner-tattoo-nazi-00617686) > **[Graham Platner says ‘I am not a secret Nazi’ after photos of his tattoo emerge](https://jewishinsider.com/2025/10/graham-platner-ss-tattoo-maine-senate/)** > > A former acquaintance of the Maine Senate candidate said he called the tattoo ‘my Totenkopf,’ referring to a symbol adopted by a Nazi SS unit > [@](#): > > “He said, ‘Oh, this is my Totenkopf,’” the former acquaintance told Jewish Insider recently, speaking on the condition of anonymity to address a sensitive issue. “He said it in a cutesy little way.” > > The exchange occurred in 2012 at Tune Inn, a popular dive on Capitol Hill where Platner later worked as a bartender and was a frequent patron while he attended The George Washington University on the G.I. bill, according to the former acquaintance. He would often take his shirt off drinking with friends late at night at the bar, and on at least one occasion had stated he knew what the tattoo represented, the former acquaintance recalled. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/442 "2026-05-04T19:35:35Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > “He said, ‘Oh, this is my Totenkopf,’” the former acquaintance told Jewish Insider recently, speaking on the condition of anonymity to address a sensitive issue. " Anonymous hearsay testimony- i.e. totally worthless. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179.md?page=21) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179.md?page=23)