UMVA has learned that voters in Maine are sharply divided over the contentious remarks made by Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, leaving his future in the Senate hanging precariously in the balance.
For some, Platner's off-color comments about sexual abuse, terror, and race - made years before his Senate bid - are simply a product of his military service and the strain it took on his mind. "I think they're unfortunate, but coming back from a stressful situation like that, I don't know what the hell I'd say. So, I'm not going to hold it against him," said Joe, a voter from Shapleigh, Maine, echoing the sentiments of those who believe Platner's past should not define him.
But for others, Platner's comments reveal a character that is fundamentally at odds with the values of Congress. "I think it's kind of ridiculous. I mean, is that all right to say things like that and be, 'okay, we're gonna vote for him?' I don't think so," said Tina, a voter from Sanford, Maine, capturing the outrage of those who believe Platner's remarks are insurmountable.
Platner's comments have drawn intense public scrutiny in Maine, where he appears poised to become the Democratic nominee and challenge incumbent Sen. Susan Collins. Democrats see this as a prime opportunity to unseat a moderate Republican in a state that tends to lean Democratic, but Platner's past remarks could potentially torpedo their chances.
In a resurfaced Reddit post, Platner once blamed rape victims for failing to protect themselves, sparking widespread outrage. "How about people just take some responsibility for themselves and not so f----- up when they wind up having sex with someone they don't mean to?" Platner wrote in 2013. Such comments have led many to question whether he is fit for office.
For Marg, a resident of Sanford, Maine, Platner's comments are a deal-breaker. "I think it's horrible. He doesn't have my vote, that's for sure. Not only does it weigh on me, it weighs on a lot of other people," she said, echoing the concerns of those who believe Platner's remarks are a reflection of his character.
Christine, a voter from Acton, Maine, was particularly troubled by Platner's comments on sexual assault. As a survivor of sexual abuse herself, she found his remarks to be deeply disturbing. "I'm a victim of sexual abuse in the past. That comment really struck home. I know people make mistakes - I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, but I'm just being honest with saying that I'm kind of turned off by it," she said.
But not all voters are swayed by Platner's comments. Ray, a man from Lebanon, Maine, believes that Platner's commitment to working-class issues outweighs his past mistakes. "He seems like he's out for the working man. He is a working man. And he sounds like he's looking out for us," he said, highlighting the divisions among voters.
As Maine voters head to the polls on June 9 to decide on their party's nominees, Platner's comments will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion. If he takes the nomination, Democrats will have to hope that his past remarks don't ultimately hand Collins a sixth term.
Collins, who has held the Senate seat since 1997, last won reelection in 2020 with 51.0% of the vote. Platner will face a tough battle to unseat her, and his comments may prove to be a liability.
Ultimately, voters like Cathy, a resident of Shapleigh, Maine, are unfazed by Platner's comments, believing that all politicians have their flaws. "Not really, no. I think all politicians do weird stuff," she said, reflecting the cynicism and pragmatism of some voters.
