UMVA has learned that a shocking controversy is engulfing Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, with veterans fiercely condemning him for resurfaced posts that mock the Army and ridicule a soldier who received a Purple Heart.
The posts, which have sparked outrage, reveal Platner calling the Army "full of fat, lazy trash" and scornfully commenting on a soldier who was shot multiple times in combat. This has led to a strong backlash from veterans, who are questioning Platner's suitability to serve in the Senate.
Ricky White, a decorated Vietnam War veteran who served in the Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade, expressed his outrage, stating that Platner's comments are "so offensive." White, who suffers from various health issues due to his service, including congestive heart failure and PTSD, emphasized that serving in the Army came at a great personal cost.
White also shared his experience of being ridiculed as a Vietnam veteran and a black man, losing friends in the war, and still grappling with the pain of their loss. He believes that Platner's comments demonstrate a lack of understanding and respect for the sacrifices made by soldiers.
The controversy surrounding Platner's comments has added fuel to the fire over his deleted Reddit account, which has raised concerns about his judgment and character. As Platner seeks to challenge Senator Susan Collins in the 2026 Senate race, his use of slurs, criticism of the armed forces, and embrace of socialism are coming under intense scrutiny.
One of Platner's most contentious Reddit posts, made in 2019, sharply criticized a soldier who was shot multiple times by the Taliban in 2012. Platner's comments were reaction to combat footage posted by another user, and they have been widely condemned as vile and hurtful.
Veterans who have spoken out against Platner include Steve, a Purple Heart recipient who was wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. Steve described Platner's comments as "especially vile" and emphasized the importance of brotherhood and selfless service in the military.
Other veterans, including Bill Brown, a retired Navy SEAL, and Kate Monroe, the CEO of VETCOMM and a Marine Corps veteran, have also condemned Platner's comments. They argue that his words demonstrate a lack of respect for those who have served and a failure to understand the values of honor and selflessness.
Some of Platner's potential future colleagues in the Senate, including Senator Joni Ernst, a combat veteran and Iowa Army National Guard lieutenant colonel, have also spoken out against his comments. Ernst described mocking servicemembers as "absolutely despicable" and emphasized the importance of respecting those who have served.
The backlash against Platner has been swift and decisive, with many veterans and politicians calling for him to be held accountable for his words. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Platner's campaign will respond to the criticism and whether he can recover from the damage.
Senator Tom Cotton, an Army infantry officer with combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, also weighed in on the controversy, stating that Platner's comments are "disgraceful" and consistent with the behavior of someone who holds communist views and has a Nazi tattoo.
The incident has raised questions about Platner's judgment, character, and fitness to serve in the Senate, and it has sparked a wider conversation about the importance of respecting those who have served in the military.
