General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDo you support Janet Mills or Graham Platner for Maine Democratic senatorial candidate?
| 137 votes, 16 passes | Time left: Unlimited | |
| Mills | |
109 (80%) |
|
| Platner | |
20 (15%) |
|
| Other | |
8 (6%) |
|
| 16 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided. | |
| Show usernames
Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll |
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Blue_Adept
(6,490 posts)But the stacking up of awfulness, culminating in his tattoo debacle, disqualifies him in my mind.
This is a pretty badly done poll as well as there are like eight or nine candidates running on the Democratic side. Good to see we're erasing them from view here.
lostincalifornia
(4,765 posts)Blue_Adept
(6,490 posts)My time calling myself a Democrat may be coming to an end if that's the case.
leftstreet
(37,729 posts)FFS
People are largely saying it's sad that it happened, or that he was dumb to let it happen, or whatever
NO ONE is saying Democrats should embrace Nazi tattoos
Shrek
(4,347 posts)It certainly would be for a non-Democrat.
EdmondDantes_
(1,042 posts)I haven't seen it in clear resolution, but without there being other evidence that he's a nazi, I can see saying if he gets it covered/removed, that it was a mistake in selecting that design and moving on. But coupled with his other issues, I would be hard pressed to vote for him in the primary. But I'm not a voter in Maine, so I don't have to make a decision and my opinion is pretty irrelevant.
There's also making a clear distinction between us and the way the "young" Republicans group chat went.
It definitely underscores the idea that you should only get a tattoo after careful research and sober decision making if it was a drunken mistake without any knowledge of the nazi association.
DemocratSinceBirth
(101,438 posts)EdmondDantes_
(1,042 posts)I do think probably some of it is related to military service and not having the appropriate mental health work. It's got to be a toll on one's mental health to be deployed.
DemocratSinceBirth
(101,438 posts)JustAnotherGen
(37,292 posts)This Plattner guy and Fetterman, Manchin, or Sinema.
But eh? What do I know? The Democratic 'non-estblishment' isn't interested with what Black women have to say these days. They don't give a fuck about us or the sense of 'threat' someone with his background inspires in minorities.
Keepthesoulalive
(1,961 posts)A lot of folks would silence us to feel comfortable and thats right here. There is never an excuse for racism, sexism, religious intolerance of all types meaning people can be non believers. The lack of moral clarity and integrity is very disappointing.
Bluetus
(1,728 posts)nobody here has actually seen it, and are just reacting to things they have heard. If somebody has actually seen a clear photo of the tattoo in question before it was recently altered, pleas post a link. Without that, this just smells like a smear campaign, and that call into question all the other criticisms of him.
Nobody here (I assume) wants another Fetterman, and nobody wants a candidate that has a clear pattern of subjugating woman and all the other things accused here. But in a world full of malicious bots, we owe it to Plattner to actually demand evidence before throwing him under the bus.
And if it is a smear campaign, who is doing that and why?
Keepthesoulalive
(1,961 posts)Not what he said to prove he is a progressive democrat. There is something wrong because Im looking to see what he stands for and what he hopes to accomplish. No buzz or suck up words a real plan.
Bluetus
(1,728 posts)Last edited Sat Oct 25, 2025, 12:24 PM - Edit history (1)
For 40 years, Dems have been advised by campaign managers to say nothing specific. It is a real sickness. I agree Plattner's speeches are more about things that he thinks are wrong and less about what he is willing to fight hard to accomplish. We need to push ALL Democrats to get behind a plan and fight for it.
For example, there is a list going around that looks like a very good starting point. It is action-oriented and everything on that list is very popular with the public, or would be with even a small amount of coordinated effort from Dem candidates:
Overturn Citizens United
No personal use of PAC money, even after retiring
Codify Women's Right to Choose
Term Limits and highest code of ethics for SCOTUS
Get Rid of the Electoral College
Outlaw Gerrymandering Nationwide
Return Fairness Doctrine in Media
Universal Healthcare for ALL
Ban Stock Trading While in Congress
5 year wait before taking jobs in industries overseen/regulated when in office
Cap Congress Salary at 1.5x Median Income of Their District
Tax Billionaires Out of Existence
Tax Unrealized Gains Used as Loan Collateral
Tax Mega-Churches involved in political activity
Raise Federal Minimum Wage to $20/hr
Eliminate the Presidential pardon privilege
Keepthesoulalive
(1,961 posts)What has he done? You gave me a list of what you would like to see but I want to see his past accomplishments.
Blue_Adept
(6,490 posts)"I can excuse his time in Blackwater"
"I can excuse the nazi tattoo."
That's exactly what's happening.
leftstreet
(37,729 posts)If this leads to you no longer being able to call yourself a Democrat
obamanut2012
(28,968 posts)On here, on Reddit, on FB, on BlueSky. And they are liberals doing it.
leftstreet
(37,729 posts)I don't think they're "normalizing" it
Overlooking because of his past, cringing but willing to give him another chance, etc etc etc
I've seen no one suggesting all Democrats should find a nazi tattoo the new normal standard
iemanja
(57,000 posts)Rather than cover it up or remove it, as thousands upon thousands of people do all the time. It is not a youthful indiscretion. It is an ongoing advertisement of how he chooses to present himself.
Jack Valentino
(3,726 posts)iemanja
(57,000 posts)of this week, only after media attention. He kept it for several years.
Jack Valentino
(3,726 posts)until someone could dig up an old video...
but now I have other problems with him, more on his Reddit posts than the tattoo...
but it all starts to add up. My previous excitement and interest in him is diminished...
I'll leave it up to actual Democratic primary voters in Maine to sort out---
which the very vast majority of those posting for one side or the other on this board
are NOT.
Quiet Em
(2,371 posts)and he didn't have to keep it for years, and I'm not even sure what he has done to cover it up. Did he cover it with a sharpie pen drawing? This guy is not ok or acceptable. C'mon now. He did this. He's being confronted about it. He's not a victim.
karynnj
(60,601 posts)The point is it is not just one lapse in good judgement, it is many very different things that were disgusting.
One question I have is what is special enough about him to make it possible to think he is the best in spite of all this?
Response to Blue_Adept (Reply #6)
leftstreet This message was self-deleted by its author.
Response to Blue_Adept (Reply #6)
PeaceWave This message was self-deleted by its author.
Big Blue Marble
(5,644 posts)We do not need another Fetterman.
Bluetus
(1,728 posts)But surely, a party that is struggling so much with the image of being run by a bunch of really old people who are mostly out of touch with the American public, ought to be able to do better than a woman who would be 84 at the end of her first term.
Is there really not a single strong progressive anywhere in Maine who has some charisma and a good grasp of the issues?
Blue_Adept
(6,490 posts)But the poll here just goes for the mills/platner approach.
Bluetus
(1,728 posts)Mills is who she is. She could win a seat which is important. But in doing so, this just reinforces the worst image of the party, being old and out of touch.
What do we know about the other 6? Is there anybody else that can win if given sufficient support and money? Is there anybody else with some charisma and a populist position?
DFW
(59,204 posts)You think Janet is out of touch? When is the last time you talked to her and got that impression?
Response to Bluetus (Reply #14)
questionseverything This message was self-deleted by its author.
Blue_Adept
(6,490 posts)iemanja
(57,000 posts)Certainly others can emerge.
JI7
(92,847 posts)Bluetus
(1,728 posts)We need good progressive fighters who will do their part carrying a national message of populism. Call me ageist, but I don't believe anybody can do this at the age of Mills or Bernie for that matter (and I'm only a few years younger then those two.)
Are we really saying that there is nobody in the 1.4 million Maine citizens who can win this election fighting for what we used to call "traditional Democratic values", and have a strong appeal to the younger generations?
That would be really depressing to hear.
P.S. Let's not forget that Collins would be nearly 80 by the end of her next term. Don't Mainers want representatives who are more connected to the 21st century?
JI7
(92,847 posts)Bluetus
(1,728 posts)in loading up the average citizens with enormous debt and expenses while giving 90% of the pork to the billionaire class.
We have to make our case in every state. We can't keep running milquetoast candidates who avoid taking strong positions and then expect to win with a real mandate for change.
JI7
(92,847 posts)Actually that's what many so called progressives think. Tear down other Democrats while supporting people like Platner .
Bluetus
(1,728 posts)and it sure looks like the majority of Mainers *DO*, in fact, share my views on this -- by a huge margin: 58-24%
https://www.newsweek.com/graham-platners-chances-of-beating-janet-mills-in-maine-amid-controversy-10929413
But that does not mean we should not ask questions about both candidates. I don't want another octogenarian in the Senate making it ever more difficult to appeal to the following 3 generations who have a much greater stake in the decisions we make as a nation. Mills and I will not be around that much longer. I want to see the younger people get a chance before it is too late. My generation has already fed up by being way too passive and compliant in the face of 50 years of growing fascism.
Likewise, none of us wants to see another Fetterman. That turned out to be a big mistake. So we ask questions and hope we will get enough truth to elect people who really will make the difference we need.
JI7
(92,847 posts)Bluetus
(1,728 posts)And I ask that without prejudice because I don't follow Maine politics closely. But the places I do follow, I see BOTH parties backing candidates that represent the status quo the old guard of either party really likes. By the time we get to primaries, anybody who might have threatened the status quo has been beaten down and denied the resources necessary to compete.
And what we are seeing here with Plattner (and certainly with Mamdani in NYC) looks like a party doing its very best to beat down the voices that could lead to real change because the party bigwigs don't want that kind of change. It is the same thing we saw when Hogg was run out of town.
I find it remarkable that Plattner got this far (maybe that shouldn't be surprising in Maine). But even more surprising that as he is being attacked (probably more from within the Party than without), he is maintaining a big lead over the establishment choice. Of course it is very early, but I think we should be asking questions WHO is organizing this attempted beatdown of Plattner and why are they so afraid of him? We saw exactly that same cycle in NYC.
JI7
(92,847 posts)they went for someone much more conservative.
Quiet Em
(2,371 posts)A better question is why anyone would be ok with his words and actions.
Platner is nothing like Mamdani. Not even close.
Jack Valentino
(3,726 posts)Quiet Em
(2,371 posts)The candidates are different because one is a decent, caring genuine man who wants to make people's lives better and the other one has absolutely no business running for the US Senate and certainly not as a Democrat.
JI7
(92,847 posts)Climate Crusader
(141 posts)And we need this one.
Autumn
(48,499 posts)the military and has had issues in his life, who knows what it's like to face your demons and overcome them . PTSD. I'm supporting Plantner.
Bluetus
(1,728 posts)Many of us were completely wrong about Fetterman. At least Mills has a long track record of mental stability. But we can't keep trotting out these very old candidates and expect Americans to believe that Dems have the energy, vision, determination (not to mention skin in the game) to provide the kind of aggressive leadership the country needs today.
Is this really the best Maine can offer?
DFW
(59,204 posts)Come to think of it, just what Trump saw in JD Vance.
Not enough.
awesomerwb1
(4,914 posts)a Bernie bro. Reminds me of red hats.
Blasphemer
(3,500 posts)Shrek
(4,347 posts)hlthe2b
(111,856 posts)Just_Vote_Dem
(3,422 posts)Looking at Platner's background, it's possible he could be a Repub mole. Mills has plenty of experience.
Torchlight
(5,931 posts)First glance would be a Mills' vote if I were a resident, otherwise I'd feel that I was dancing too close to vance's "kids do stupid things, especially young boys..." remark from last week.
avebury
(11,171 posts)is experienced with a proven track record. My priority is clawing back control of Congress. Even we cannot get both the House and Senate I want the margin so slim that life for the Republicans becomes even more dire.
avebury
(11,171 posts)is experienced with a proven track record. My priority is clawing back control of Congress. Even we cannot get both the House and Senate I want the margin so slim that life for the Republicans becomes even more dire.
hlthe2b
(111,856 posts)high functioning--which statistically is more likely to be the case for women, so I don't see that as a major issue. I know younger voters would far prefer someone of a younger generation, but damn if any of us want to lose to the R.
waddirum
(998 posts)equals NOPE
LetMyPeopleVote
(171,858 posts)Nanjeanne
(6,433 posts)policies align with mine but haven't seen a platform from Mills. Since it's a primary and I'm not in that state - I'm fine with the people of Maine making a determination and then supporting whomever they choose. For me, I look at policy first and foremost and what people are willing to really fight for.
eShirl
(19,848 posts)There are eight declared candidates for this nomination so far, with more likely to join.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_Senate_election_in_Maine#Candidates_2
I may well end up backing someone other than Mills or Platner by deciding-time..
Ritabert
(1,746 posts)JCMach1
(29,022 posts)Honestly glad I don't have to decide about this race.
yardwork
(68,395 posts)Cha
(315,242 posts)Stake in getting a Democratic Senator from Maine Elected.
I plan to donate to Gov Jenet Mills' Election Campaign for Senate.
yardwork
(68,395 posts)Big Blue Marble
(5,644 posts)and in the White House too, to his face. If I were in Maine, that would be
enough for me to support her.
JustAnotherGen
(37,292 posts)2. If I did live in state, I would vote for Jordan Wood. He's young and bright with solid Liberal credentials. I mean c'mon he served as VP of 'End Citizens United' PAC, cofounder of democracyFirst, and is saying the magic words "broken system". That's very appealing to my demographic (Black Democratic Women) because he's echoing VP Harris and Karine Jean-Pierre - or rather -
He said it before them.
3. I'm going to see what happens on November 4th here in NJ - then start making a few primary donations. If we aren't fighting for our lives - he'll be one of the out of state Candidates I will donate to.
eShirl
(19,848 posts)don't know much about him yet other than he used to work for Katie Porter
JustAnotherGen
(37,292 posts)https://www.themainewire.com/2025/06/progressive-democrat-running-to-unseat-susan-collins-boasts-1-million-in-donations-local-endorsements/
These are the types of candidates my husband and I will give a $500 donation to. Think Pete Buttigieg, Julian Castro, VP Harris in 2020.
MaineBlueBear
(353 posts)If he gets the tattoo removed.
I like Gov. Mills and anyone who brings up her age can take a peek at Sen. Grassley.
eShirl
(19,848 posts)iemanja
(57,000 posts)After he was criticized for it in the media. He chose to keep it for many years.
Hes expressed contempt for women, black people, and Jews. Who is even left? We dont need a bigot and rape apologist representing Democrats.
eShirl
(19,848 posts)MaineBlueBear
(353 posts)"So let's focus instead on taking out the trash like Graham Platner. For 17 years or so, the populist Maine Democrat somehow didn't know that was a nazi tattoo on his chest, which I suppose is possible. But when it was going to come out, instead of going right to a tattoo parlor and holding a news conference explaining and apologizing as they turned it into something else, he released a drunken video and waited three days to (supposedly) actually fix the problem. He has no judgment. None. Get out."
Kali999
(288 posts)who dated Sinema
nini
(16,809 posts)Were talking Nazi stuff here not some minor youthful indiscretion.
Bluetus
(1,728 posts)I tried to find a photo of the original tattoo that was supposedly like a Nazi symbol. I never could find that, only a bunch of people jabbering about it.
But I now see the updated tattoo and I sure can't see anything in there that looks like any Nazi symbols I have ever seen. That seems like character assassination to me, unless somebody has evidence that Plattner actually has some history with the Nazis and had some awareness that the artwork was maybe some kind of secret Nazi symbology nobody else ever knew about.
That makes me question all the other criticisms of him. It is very easy to take old quotes out of context. Is there any evidence of a real pattern of behavior about contempt for women, black people, and Jews, or are we just reacting to some RW oppo research?
EX500rider
(12,061 posts)Last edited Wed Oct 22, 2025, 10:51 PM - Edit history (1)
He most definitely (he does not deny it) had a SS Totenkopf on his chest and according to a friend called it that back in 2012.
They look like this and are familiar do anyone well versed in WWII European theater history.
![]()
Bluetus
(1,728 posts)I could never find a photo of the actual tattoo in question, before alteration. Have you seen it? Can you please provide a link to it?
EX500rider
(12,061 posts)And yes, that's the whole point of tattoo alteration.
Bluetus
(1,728 posts)You present a piece of artwork that has nothing to do with Plattner, you claim that artwork is a Nazi thing (and it may be). You claim that Plattner's tattoo looks just like your artwork, but you can't show us a picture of the actual tattoo?
And then you say it is MY responsibility to prove that he didn't have a tattoo resembling your artwork?
Come on. Seriously?
If you want to have credibility in this instance, you really need to show the original tattoo. Plattner has said he regarded the tattoo as a plain old skull and crossbones and he was unaware until recently that the image has been associated with Nazi police. A basic skull and crossbones is quite common and few people would be aware that there was a special variation of skull and crossbones that had a particular Nazi association. In addition, this symbol was not used broadly across the Nazi movement, but was adopted by a few divisions, and even in that limited use, there wasn't a single version of the artwork. There were variations. Compared to other common skull and crossbones artwork, the Nazi ones are distinct by placing the bones behind the neck, whereas it is more common to place the bones below the skull. Also, the Nazi variations all seem to depict a fracture in the skull. Did Plattner's tattoo have these features? Did it have any text that would clearly associate it with the Nazi usage?
Be honest. A week ago, if you saw somebody on the street with this particular style of skull and crossbones, would you have associated that with the Nazi police? I am betting fewer than 1 in 10,000 people would do so.
This sign warning of poison looks very much like your artwork. If a company had this sign on display, would you suspect the company is a secret Nazi operation?
https://www.mysafetylabels.com/warning-labels/iso-7010-safety-label-toxic-poison/sku-lb-0443
We might all heed the disclaimer on the Anti-Defamation League website: "All the symbols depicted in the hate symbols database must be evaluated in the context in which they appear. Few symbols represent just one idea or are used exclusively by one group."
EX500rider
(12,061 posts)Bluetus
(1,728 posts)People going after Plattner might say that's what it is, but I'd actually like to see evidence.
I have asked for that 3 times now. Obviously you have never seen the picture and you are basing your opinion on what other people have said about the tattoo.
EX500rider
(12,061 posts)Bluetus
(1,728 posts)He said he did not realize until recently that some people associate that image with the Nazis.
Again, I ask for a picture of the tattoo before modification. Here is the tattoo as it stands now, You can't tell anything from that. If you are looking at some other image, please post a link.
https://imgur.com/6h5FnM7
EX500rider
(12,061 posts)Bluetus
(1,728 posts)I'm sorry. I am not willing to take your word that it is definitely a Nazi symbol when you refuse to even post a picture of it.
You obviously have not seen the picture you keep talking about and must be relying on what others have said about it. There are many people who have agendas here, so I want to see the actual thing, not what some anonymous people have said about the thing.
Blue_Adept
(6,490 posts)People in his past have commented since it came up that he both acknowledged and downplayed it a decade ago when he was a bartender in that kind of sheepish way.
Bluetus
(1,728 posts)But there is also resemblance to the international symbol for poison. He has said he did not realize until recently there was a similarity with one of the many symbols used by various Nazi groups. To me, the more important question is whether he has shown any other tendencies in the Nazi / antisemitic direction as a mature adult. If he was intentionally aligning with the Nazis when he got that ink, I don't think it is plausible that he kept Nazi sympathies secret for a decade or more.
Blue_Adept
(6,490 posts)Seriously. When the vast majority of those following this realize what it is, what it means, and how members of the military often get it, it's time to stop defending it.
Bluetus
(1,728 posts)Recent polling shows Mainers standing behind Plattner.
https://www.newsweek.com/graham-platners-chances-of-beating-janet-mills-in-maine-amid-controversy-10929413
AFTER this brouhaha, which may be driven by the same right-wing coalition that is trying to do character assassination of Mamdani, Mainers back Plattner over Mills 58 - 24.
It is obvious I am not the one with the agenda here. Mainers are taking the same attitude I am. I am sure they all want to take a close look at Plattner, and it is doing him a service to get this stuff vetted early. I have not seen any evidence that he has demonstrated any Nazi sympathies or behavior, and like 99% of the public, I would not have associated that tattoo with anything more than regular old skull and crossbones.
There are people who are very threatened by politicians who have the courage to talk about a society that is not run by the fantastically wealthy, fantastically corrupt few. And they are undoubtedly using some of their loose pocket change to try to do a character assassination of the people who do speak up.
I note that Bernie is Jewish and he has continued to support Plattner. I suggest you give some thought to why you are so passionate about attacking others who are just trying to understand the situation on a factual, objective basis.
EX500rider
(12,061 posts)And yes I have seen the picture, trying doing a google search maybe, I am not your google.
And I don't even have to see it if the person accused of having it does not deny it, if it wasn't true there would be crystal clear pictures of it, I can understand why he would want a somewhat blurry picture of a SS tattoo he had on his chest for 18 years.
But him not denying it is proof enough for most rational folk . YMMV
EX500rider
(12,061 posts)But on my 32 inch monitor it's plainly what it is, SS tattoo
Emile
(38,558 posts)This is a six year term.
Polybius
(21,027 posts)Guy is batshit crazy.
iemanja
(57,000 posts)DoBW
(2,868 posts)
SSJVegeta
(1,820 posts)He might earn back my (largely symbolic) support.
karynnj
(60,601 posts)the things coming out.
What do people in Maine really know about him? When did most people in Maine get any impression of him? How long ago was the most recent example of really inappropriate comments?
If this all came out about someone who most people already had a long fixed opinion on it would be less damaging than someone they only recently, and maybe superficially, got to know. If he was really "new" he really was still in the phase of defining himself. These revelations call into question who he is.
There are several people running at this point. Even among the people who think Mills is too old, there has to be a better alternative to get behind. If Mills is seen as the only one to beat Collins, having her there for 6 years gives Democrats a vote and probably the down side of Maine having very little seniority when King opts not to run and she is not likely to be even a two term Senator.
LetMyPeopleVote
(171,858 posts)Plantar has real issues
PeaceWave
(2,221 posts)His view of women. His view of the gay community. The man has problems. Regardless of the Nazi tattoo, Platner has no business running on a Democratic ticket.
QueerDuck
(344 posts)GOOD!
Hekate
(99,957 posts)DinahMoeHum
(23,226 posts)fortunately, there's still time for another person to throw their hat in the ring for this seat.
Hassler
(4,612 posts)Or the Fetterman 2.0 vibe.
