Graham Platner Tries to Find Silver Lining in Reddit Controversy

Veteran and oyster farmer Graham Platner’s nascent campaign was hit with its first major hurdle following reports of years-old Reddit posts that were at times vulgar and offensive, including usages of the “R-slur” and one comment in which he questioned whether Black people tip.

Platner apologized for the posts last week in a direct-to-camera video, saying that the comments were made following a dark period in his life in his younger days.

“I got out of the Army in 2012. I had PTSD, I had depression. I had all of the things that come with serving in a war, in two wars that I eventually began to not believe in at all. It left me feeling very unmoored. It left me feeling very disillusioned, very alienated, and very isolated,” Platner said. “And I think, like a lot of people, I went on the internet to post stupid things and get in fights and find some form of community in some way. Some outlet for my feelings, for my rage, for my isolation. It wasn’t until I found actual community that that all went away.”

He continued, “I’m sorry for this. Just know that it’s not reflective at all of who I am. I don’t want you to judge me on the dumbest thing I ever wrote on the internet. I would prefer if people could judge me on the person I am today.”

Platner acknowledged his Reddit past again Sunday but this time pointed to conversations he had with fellow veterans about mental health. “Something I’m proud of from my internet history? I spent a lot of time online encouraging other veterans to also get help through the VA. Because I knew even then that it was literally saving my life,” Platner wrote. “Being honest and vulnerable helps others start down the same path.”

Then, on Monday, Platner shared screenshots of some of his past comments on homophobia and misogyny in the Marines from 2017 and 2018, suggesting he was proud of at least some of his remarks:

With the Maine Senate race more than a year away, it remains to be seen if the Reddit controversy will have serious lasting effects on Platner’s chances to win a tough primary against Governor Janet Mills. In an interview with CNN on Sunday, Democratic National Committee chairman Ken Martin was asked about Platner’s comments and said he didn’t think they should torpedo the former Marine.

“I don’t think they’re disqualifying, but certainly they’re not right and I’m glad that he apologized for them,” he said. “They’re indefensible, they’re hurtful, and they’re offensive.”