# 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:** 23
**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, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/443 "2026-05-04T19:36:51Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > > [@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/) I read both articles, and honestly I’m seeing a lot of obfuscatory smoke but no fire. The Anti-Defamation League quoted in the second article says it well: > [@](#): > > “We do understand that sometimes people get tattoos without understanding their hateful association,” the ADL spokesperson added. “In those cases, the bearer should be asked whether they repudiate its hateful meaning.” And thanks for posting the Reddit exchange, @Miller. Not really seeing much there, either. In my opinion, this feels more and more like a Swift boat campaign against him. ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/444 "2026-05-04T19:39:43Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > This is the photo they’re discussing. I found it with a higher resolution ([Waffen-SS Crimes \> WW2 Weapons](https://www.ww2-weapons.com/waffen-ss-crimes/)) and I am really struggling to see what Platner is supposed to have seen and realized ‘Hey, that’s my tattoo!’ ---
**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, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/445 "2026-05-04T19:49:52Z")
> [@robby](#): > > Not really seeing much there, either. The only thing that link was meant to prove was that he knew what a totenkopf is, which it does. ---
**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, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/446 "2026-05-04T19:52:07Z")
> [@crowmanyclouds](#): > > > [@Miller](#): > > > > This is the photo they’re discussing. > > I found it with a higher resolution ([Waffen-SS Crimes \> WW2 Weapons](https://www.ww2-weapons.com/waffen-ss-crimes/)) and I am really struggling to see what Platner is supposed to have seen and realized ‘Hey, that’s my tattoo!’ Yeah, same here. I had to carefully examine the photo for some time to see just one example of a probable (due to being small, silvery, and blurry) Totenkopf insignia (on the collar of the guy on the far left). Even then, it’s only because it matches the general outline of the symbol. But if you asked a someone to identify it with no context, I do t think anybody ever even identify it as a skull, much less a Totenkopf. ---
**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, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/447 "2026-05-04T19:55:55Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > This is the photo they’re discussing. The helmets are the dead and easy giveaway. Next the camo pattern is a giveaway since in Europe the Allies didnt wear camo (the US tried it briefly, but withdrew it due to too many “friendly fire” incidents, as it was mistook for SS camo). I cant even see a Totenkopf there, i suppose it is a bit like “spot the hidden item”. ---
**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, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/448 "2026-05-04T19:58:24Z")
> [@DigitalC](#): > > > [@robby](#): > > > > Not really seeing much there, either. > > The only thing that link was meant to prove was that he knew what a totenkopf is, which it does. When he wasn’t even part of the Totenkopf exchange? By the time he chimed in, the discussion had shifted to Punisher skulls. ---
**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, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/449 "2026-05-04T19:59:23Z")
> [@robby](#): > > Yeah, same here. I had to carefully examine the photo for some time to see just one example of a probable (due to being small, silvery, and blurry) Totenkopf insignia (on the collar of the guy on the far left). Even then, it’s only because it matches the general outline of the symbol. But if you asked a someone to identify it with no context, I do t think anybody ever even identify it as a skull, much less a Totenkopf. …do you think the argument is that he saw the picture and learned from it what a Totenkopf was? I mean, we know for a fact that isn’t the case, because he was already calling it “My Totenkopf” in 2012. No, the point is that he engaged in a discussion about soldiers wearing Totenkopfs and other skull-like symbols, which he was able to do because he already _knew what a Totenkopf is_. The Reddit thread isn’t where he learned about Totenkopfs for the first time, but it is where he demonstrates his existing knowledge. ---
**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, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/450 "2026-05-04T20:03:18Z")
> [@robby](#): > > When he wasn’t even part of the Totenkopf exchange? Reddit doesn’t work like the SDMB does, it is not a chronological list of posts. Instead posts are nestled under whatever they are in reply to. The only way to get to the exchange about the Punisher skulls is to keep hitting “More Replies” on posts under the back and forth Totenkopf discussion. ---
**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, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/451 "2026-05-04T20:12:18Z")
> [@Babale](#): > > …do you think the argument is that he saw the picture and learned from it what a Totenkopf was? > > No, the point is that he engaged in a discussion about soldiers wearing Totenkopfs and other skull-like symbols, which he was able to do because he _knew what a Totenkopf is_. Or he just wanted to talk about Punisher skulls. Look, the bottom line is that you and others have constructed this elaborate narrative that goes from him getting a skull tattoo twenty years ago to a snippet of a 2019 Reddit conversation (probably found by a keyword search) taken out of context to when he knew exactly that the tattoo was problematic to the obvious conclusion that he is currently a Nazi. 🙄 Why don’t you give him the benefit of the doubt like the Anti-Defamation League did above? > [@robby](#): > > The Anti-Defamation League quoted in the second article says it well: > > > [@](#): > > > > “We do understand that sometimes people get tattoos without understanding their hateful association,” the ADL spokesperson added. “In those cases, the bearer should be asked whether they repudiate its hateful meaning.” I mostly care about what he says about the tattoo now, and what his views are now. ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/452 "2026-05-04T20:15:56Z")
Unless one can read minds, or has some clear evidence, there is no way to know if he knew it was a [_Totenkopf_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Totenkopf) or a [Totenkopf](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Totenkopf#Nazi_Germany). ---
**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, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/453 "2026-05-04T20:17:39Z")
> [@robby](#): > > Look, the bottom line is that you and others have constructed this elaborate narrative that goes from him getting a skull tattoo twenty years ago to a snippet of a 2019 Reddit conversation (probably found by a keyword search) taken out of context to when he knew exactly that the tattoo was problematic to the obvious conclusion that he is currently a Nazi. 🙄 Got a tattoo 20 years ago, didn’t remove it until last year. Extensive proof of him knowing what it is. Long history of making hateful posts on reddit that did not stop until 2021, unless he switched accounts. Going on anti semite podcasts and praising them, claiming to be a big fan of their anti semite content. The proof is EXTENSIVE and well documented. The guy has a lifetime of nazi activity and a year of pretending he isn’t one. It is idiotic for anyone to pretend he is not a nazi. ---
**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, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/454 "2026-05-04T20:19:25Z")
> [@robby](#): > > Look, the bottom line is that you and others have constructed this elaborate narrative that goes from him getting a skull tattoo twenty years ago to a snippet of a 2019 Reddit conversation (probably found by a keyword search) taken out of context to when he knew exactly that the tattoo was problematic to the obvious conclusion that he is currently a Nazi. 🙄 The only “elaborate narrative” is the one that claims he somehow didn’t know what the symbol prominently displayed on his own body meant for 20 years. What’s “elaborate” about my view of Platner? The Boy With a Nazi Tattoo has Nazi views. How out there! Truly whacky and wild! ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/455 "2026-05-04T20:20:47Z")
> [@DigitalC](#): > > claiming to be a big fan of their anti semite content I’m sure you can provide a quote that says those exact words. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/456 "2026-05-04T20:21:46Z")
I’m a Realpolitik person. He could, if he wins, possibly be the Senator that tips the Senate to a D majority. Probably not but could be. If he has sincerely held pro-Nazi beliefs and he wins, this attention will highly likely lead him to very circumspect in how he expresses it. If he is Nazi in his heart who keeps it closeted going forward and prevents Trump having a Senate majority … I can live with that. What is at stake is that big. ---
**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, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/457 "2026-05-04T20:24:41Z")
> [@crowmanyclouds](#): > > Unless one can read minds, or has some clear evidence, there is no way to know if he knew it was a _[Totenkopf](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Totenkopf)_ or a [Totenkopf](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Totenkopf#Nazi_Germany). Right. And as for re-enlisting in the Marines- they could see his arm tats- a no-no, but I doubt if they demand you take off your clothes to spot other bad tats. And since the bad tattoo was covered by a shirt (we have, afaik, exactly one rather bad pic of that tat on Platner), why pay good money to cover it up with another tattoo until it needed to be done? > [@DSeid](#): > > He could, if he wins, possibly be the Senator that tips the Senate to a D majority. Probably not but could be. > [@DSeid](#): > > What is at stake is that big. Yeah. No more MAGA SCOTUS candidates for a couple of years- that is wonderful. And worth the price of admission all by itself. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2026, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/458 "2026-05-04T20:30:49Z")
> [@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… There you go again, tarring your opponents with claims of antisemitism. is it possible that the source of the information was shit? > [@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. “He said it in a cutesy little way.” I think there’s a legitimate reason to doubt this fact that has nothing to do with the religion of the reporter. ---
**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, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/459 "2026-05-04T20:31:39Z")
> [@crowmanyclouds](#): > > I’m sure you can provide a quote that says those exact words. Absolutely, [here you go](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLTfYFRF9yc&t=3157s). Right near the end of the interview he calls himself a “long time fan of the show”. Who else but a nazi would be a long time fan of an anti semite podcaster? It is absolutely ridiculous that anyone is still arguing about this. ---
**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, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/460 "2026-05-04T20:33:02Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > He could, if he wins, possibly be the Senator that tips the Senate to a D majority. He could possibly be the senator that leaves us with two nazi parties in the country, which is a significantly worse proposition than Trump keeping the senate. ---
**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, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/461 "2026-05-04T20:34:47Z")
> [@DigitalC](#): > > Absolutely, [here you go](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLTfYFRF9yc&t=3157s). Right near the end of the interview he calls himself a “long time fan of the show”. Who else but a nazi would be a long time fan of an anti semite podcaster? So you _don’t_ have any examples of him espousing Nazism, then. ---
**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, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-reasons-to-reject-graham-platner-in-maine-campaign-suspended-july-8-2026/1028179/462 "2026-05-04T20:36:06Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > So you _don’t_ have any examples of him espousing Nazism, then. That is not what I was asked, but keep moving those goalposts. [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=22) [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=24)