Bernie Sanders Confronts Towel-Clad Protesters Over Maine Senate Candidate
Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., recently confronted Republican staffers outside the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) headquarters. These staffers were dressed in towels, mocking the controversy surrounding Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner’s online presence.
A video by Fox News Digital captured the protesters, some from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). They wore towels to mimic a Kik profile photo of Platner, which showed him shirtless with a towel. The protesters questioned Sanders about his support for Platner.
Do you support Graham Platner even though he’s on Kik?
This question, posed outside the DSCC headquarters in Washington, D.C., came as Platner met with top Democrats before his June 9 primary. His campaign faces scrutiny due to his Kik profile, a Nazi-linked tattoo he later covered, and other past online comments.
Additional controversies include old Reddit posts where Platner blamed rape victims, reinforced racial stereotypes, and mocked a Purple Heart recipient. Reports also surfaced about sexually explicit texts Platner allegedly sent during his marriage.
The Kik app, used by Platner, is controversial for its links to child exploitation cases. Protesters chanted slogans like Platner is a creep! and carried signs reading PEDO PLATNER MESSAGED KIDS.
In response to the mention of Platner’s Kik account, Sanders questioned the morality of the Republicans, referencing former President Trump.
“Are you talking about morality and corruption? With President Trump?” Sanders retorted, ending the exchange.
Fox News Digital reported no evidence of Platner communicating with minors. The concern focuses on his profile photo and the app’s reputation. Platner acknowledged sending explicit messages to other women but disputes some report details. He apologized for past online remarks and said the controversial tattoo was obtained unknowingly years ago.
This confrontation highlights Republican efforts to use Platner’s controversies against national Democrats like Sanders. Platner remains a central figure as the June 9 Democratic primary approaches.