Veterans across the nation are expressing their disapproval of Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner following the resurfacing of his controversial comments about the U.S. Army and a soldier who was wounded in combat. Platner, who is challenging Sen. Susan Collins in Maine, has come under fire for derogatory remarks he made on a now-deleted Reddit account.
Offensive Remarks
Platner’s comments, which described the Army as “full of fat, lazy trash,” and mocked a soldier who was shot multiple times in combat, have sparked widespread condemnation. The soldier in question, U.S. Army veteran Ted Daniels, was awarded the Purple Heart after being shot four times by the Taliban in 2012. Platner’s words have been described as “vile” and “disgraceful” by fellow veterans and public figures.
Holland “Ricky” White, a Vietnam War veteran, expressed his offense at Platner’s remarks, highlighting the sacrifices made by servicemembers. “I lost friends over there, and it still hurts to talk about them,” White said. “Comments like Graham’s are so offensive.”
Political Fallout
The backlash against Platner has intensified as his past comments, which also include slurs and criticisms of the armed forces, continue to surface. Platner, who has leaned on his military background during his campaign, now faces a significant challenge as voters question his respect for fellow servicemembers.
Several veterans who have served in the Senate, including Sen. Joni Ernst and Sen. Tom Cotton, have publicly condemned Platner’s comments. Ernst, a combat veteran, called the remarks “absolutely despicable,” emphasizing the sacrifices made by those who serve.
Community Response
Bill Brown, a retired Navy SEAL, and Kate Monroe, the CEO of VETCOMM, have also criticized Platner, questioning his ability to represent and support servicemembers if elected. “A Senator who calls soldiers ‘trash’ and mocks a man’s Purple Heart has shown who he really is,” Brown stated.
Platner’s campaign has not responded to requests for comment, and some Democratic veterans in the Senate have remained silent on the issue. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact Platner’s campaign and his chances in the upcoming election.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
