UMVA has learned that Sen. Bernie Sanders lashed out at a reporter when pressed about Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner's resurfaced vulgar Reddit posts, telling the reporter to "get a better job."
The heated exchange occurred when Sanders was questioned about Platner's posts, which have sparked controversy and raised concerns about his Senate bid. When told the reporter worked for Fox News Digital, Sanders replied, "Why don’t you talk to your owner Mr. Murdoch and ask him for a raise so you can get a better job."
Sanders endorsed Platner in August 2025, but other Democratic senators have been tight-lipped about Platner's resurfaced posts. Several declined to weigh in on the issue, with some claiming they hadn't seen the posts while others declined to comment altogether.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal distanced himself from the issue, saying, "I haven’t seen it. I’m not following it. Sorry." Meanwhile, Sen. Angus King stated he would not take a position on the election, citing his practice since becoming a senator.
Sen. Mazie Hirono also dodged the question, responding with a puzzled "On whose?" before declining to comment further. In contrast, Sen. Jeff Merkley emphasized that the viability of Platner's candidacy should be left to Maine voters to decide.
Merkley said, "The people of Maine get to choose who they want to represent them in the U.S. Senate. And so I encourage you to interview the people in Maine, because that's what a democracy is all about."
Platner has faced increasing scrutiny after since-deleted Reddit posts resurfaced online, revealing a troubling and often disturbing picture of his past. The posts range from 2009 through 2021 and include comments about masturbating in portable toilets and mocking a wounded Purple Heart U.S. soldier.
Platner has publicly addressed some of the posts, attributing them to a difficult time in his life after serving in the military and suffering from PTSD. He served three tours in Iraq for the Marine Corps and one tour in Afghanistan for the U.S. Army.
The controversy surrounding Platner's posts raises questions about his fitness for office, but Merkley emphasized that Platner has explained his journey and evolution, and that the people of Maine should make the final judgment.
