Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, is confronting controversial comments he made on Reddit four years ago, where he identified as a socialist-turned-communist and expressed problematic views. In a video posted on October 17, Platner, who was struggling with mental health issues at the time, acknowledged these past statements and emphasized that they no longer reflect his beliefs.
The comments, originally shared under the username “P-Hustle,” included disparaging remarks about law enforcement and generalizations about rural White Americans. He also questioned why Black individuals might not tip, remarks he later condemned as “the dumbest thing I ever wrote on the internet,” stating that he now wishes to be judged based on his current character and not his past errors.
Platner’s journey, particularly his experiences after serving in the military, played a significant role in shaping his earlier views. He served in the U.S. Army and, upon returning from deployments in Afghanistan, faced challenges such as PTSD and depression. He recounted how his time in a predominantly male and often crude environment led to the expression of harsh language and views during his struggles.
Reflecting on his past, Platner noted a marked evolution in his perspective, stating, “My language gets less crude, my thoughts and my feelings get a lot less rough around the edges.” He acknowledged that engaging in online discourse was an attempt to find community and cope with feelings of isolation, and mentioned that he stopped actively posting on Reddit around 2020 or 2021.
In a positive turn, Platner pointed out one post from his history that he is proud of, encouraging fellow veterans to seek therapy for their mental health struggles. This mirrors his commitment to mental health advocacy, which has become an integral part of his campaign.
Platner is also gaining traction politically, having received support from notable figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders, who called him “a great working class candidate for Senate in Maine who will defeat Susan Collins.” This endorsement adds momentum to his campaign, highlighting his focus on addressing the needs of working-class citizens.
As Platner navigates his Senate candidacy, his willingness to own up to past mistakes while advocating for mental health awareness and community support reflects a broader message of personal growth and redemption.