Graham Platner's Nazi Tattoo Scandal: A Failure of Judgment and Moral Clarity

The Facts:

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner revealed on Wednesday that he has covered a tattoo on his chest that closely resembled the Nazi SS symbol—the infamous skull and crossbones emblem used by Hitler’s paramilitary organization responsible for the systematic murder of millions of Jews and others during World War II. Platner admitted to getting the tattoo in 2007 while serving in the Marine Corps during a night of drinking in Croatia, claiming he was unaware of its horrific historical significance until recently. Despite his campaign initially promising removal, Platner opted to cover it with another tattoo due to limited access to removal services in rural Maine.

This revelation comes amid growing scrutiny of Platner’s candidacy, including recently uncovered deleted online statements where he dismissed military sexual assaults, questioned Black patrons’ tipping habits, and criticized police officers and rural Americans. Platner has apologized for these comments, attributing them to struggles with PTSD and depression after leaving the Army in 2012. He has resisted calls to drop out of the race against Republican Susan Collins and maintains the backing of Senator Bernie Sanders, who considers him a stronger candidate than primary opponent Governor Janet Mills. Another primary rival, Jordan Wood, former chief of staff to Congresswoman Katie Porter, has called for Platner to withdraw, arguing that Democrats need moral clarity to condemn Trump’s actions effectively.

Platner claims the tattoo never raised questions during his military service, including when he enlisted in the Army—which requires examination for hate symbols—or when he received a security clearance for the Ambassador to Afghanistan’s security detail. He now describes his journey as difficult but ultimately redemptive, stating he is “very proud of who I am” and views his past not as a liability but as part of his life story.

Opinion:

This is not merely a story about a tattoo; it is a chilling testament to moral blindness and the erosion of democratic values. How does any individual, particularly one serving in the United States Marine Corps, remain ignorant for two decades that they are carrying a symbol synonymous with genocide? The SS emblem is not some obscure historical artifact—it represents one of the most brutal machines of hatred ever conceived, responsible for the deaths of six million Jews and millions of others. For Platner to claim ignorance stretches credulity to its breaking point and insults the intelligence of every voter.

His additional comments—dismissing military sexual trauma, stereotyping Black Americans, and disparaging rural communities—paint a picture of a man fundamentally unfit for public office. PTSD and depression may explain certain behaviors, but they do not excuse a pattern of conduct that consistently undermines the dignity of others. Public service requires unwavering commitment to the principles of liberty, equality, and justice—values Platner has repeatedly violated through his actions and words.

Senator Bernie Sanders’ endorsement of Platner is equally perplexing and disappointing. Progressivism must be rooted in compassion and moral integrity, not merely political expediency. Supporting a candidate with such a blatant disregard for historical truth and human decency undermines the very movement that claims to fight for the oppressed.

Democrats must demand better. This is not about partisan politics; it is about preserving the soul of our democracy. We cannot afford to normalize symbols of hatred or excuse behavior that diminishes the humanity of any group. Platner should withdraw from the race immediately—not as an act of cancellation, but as an acknowledgment that some failures of judgment are too grave to overlook. The victims of Nazi atrocities deserve nothing less than our unwavering vigilance against any manifestation of that evil, no matter how unintentional it may seem.