Maine Senate Hopeful Faces Tattoo Trouble

Nazi-Linked Tattoo Sparks Outrage

Graham Platner, a candidate for the Maine Senate, recently admitted to having a tattoo linked to Nazi symbolism. He dismissed it as a drunken mistake from his time in the Marines.

This isn’t the first time Platner has faced backlash. Earlier, old online posts surfaced where he made questionable comments about sexual assault in the military and criticized various groups.

Apology and Backlash

Platner released a video apology, claiming he was a different person back then. He attributed his past comments to his military experiences.

However, the tattoo controversy has intensified. The Anti-Defamation League identified it as a symbol used by the Nazi SS, a highly controversial association.

Platner insists he didn’t know the tattoo’s meaning when he got it and that no one ever pointed it out. A former staffer disagreed, stating he should have known better and covered it up.

Despite the backlash, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders still supports Platner, calling him an excellent candidate.

A Broader Political Trend

This situation reflects a wider trend in politics. Candidates today seem to weather scandals that would have ended campaigns in the past.

Donald Trump’s ability to move past controversies has set a new standard. Democrats like Platner and Jay Jones in Virginia are following this trend, facing scandals but staying in the race.

Jay Jones' Controversy

Jones, another Democratic candidate, faced his own controversy when old text messages surfaced. In them, he made violent comments about a Republican opponent.

Despite the backlash, Jones remains in the race, leaving it up to voters to decide. This has even affected other races, like the governor’s race in Virginia.

The Changing Political Landscape

The political landscape has shifted. What once would have been a campaign-ending scandal is now just another hurdle.

Candidates are learning to navigate these controversies, and voters are left to decide what matters most.