Veterans Criticize Senate Candidate for Offensive Remarks on Soldiers

Veterans have strongly criticized Graham Platner, a Democratic Senate candidate, after old posts revealed his disparaging remarks about the military. Platner referred to the Army as “full of fat, lazy trash” and mocked a soldier who was shot in combat, earning a Purple Heart.

Holland “Ricky” White, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, spoke out against Platner’s comments. White highlighted the personal costs of his military service, including congestive heart failure and PTSD. He expressed his understanding of ridicule, having faced it as a Vietnam veteran and a black man. White’s emotional connection to the fallen soldiers he served with underscores his outrage at Platner’s remarks.

Graham Platner, the likely Democratic nominee for the Senate in Maine, is facing controversy due to his deleted Reddit account. His past posts, which include derogatory language and critiques of the military, challenge his campaign as he attempts to compete against incumbent Senator Susan Collins.

One particularly controversial post from 2019 involves Platner criticizing a soldier wounded by the Taliban. “Dumb motherf—er didn’t deserve to live,” he wrote, reacting to a combat video featuring U.S. Army veteran Ted Daniels, who was shot multiple times and received a Purple Heart.

Veterans such as Steve, an Iraq and Afghanistan conflict veteran with a social media following, find these comments vile. Mocking a fellow soldier who faced enemy fire demonstrates a lack of understanding of military brotherhood, he noted.

Platner’s dismissive attitude toward the Army, expressed in another deleted post, further fuels criticism. He described his service time as surrounded by “fat, lazy trash who would rather not be in uniform.” Critics, including Bill Brown, a retired Navy SEAL, stress that such views disqualify him from handling military responsibilities as a senator.

Kate Monroe, VETCOMM CEO and Marine Corps veteran, emphasized that wearing a uniform does not inherently grant honor. The true measure lies in how one treats and speaks about fellow veterans, which Platner failed, she argued. John Rourke, a retired Army staff sergeant, agreed, labeling Platner’s actions as disrespectful to the uniform.

Several fellow veterans in the Senate have condemned Platner’s actions. Senator Joni Ernst, with a military background, described the comments as “despicable,” highlighting the sacrifices service members make. Senator Tom Cotton, an Army veteran, voiced similar concerns, criticizing Platner’s lack of respect for servicemembers.

The backlash has been intense, with even Platner’s potential Democratic colleagues choosing to remain silent on the matter. Platner’s campaign has not provided a response to these revelations, leaving his future prospects uncertain.