Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner is once again embroiled in controversy as a deleted Reddit post, reportedly from an account he previously acknowledged owning, resurfaces. The post, dating back to June 2019, appears to mock a U.S. soldier who sustained severe injuries while engaging Taliban fighters, igniting a firestorm of criticism against the hopeful.
Disturbing Remarks Surface
The contentious comments were made under the Reddit handle "P-Hustle," an account that Platner has confirmed belonged to him. The post referred to a viral helmet camera video featuring Pfc. Ted Daniels during a 2012 clash in Afghanistan. Daniels, a recipient of the Purple Heart for injuries sustained, was shot four times in the encounter.
According to reports, the now-deleted post described the wounded soldier as a "mouthbreather" and suggested he "didn’t deserve to live." It further attributed the soldier’s survival to "poor marksmanship" on the part of the Taliban, rather than any tactical skill, claiming Daniels made "every possible shit decision." Such disparaging comments about a combat-wounded veteran have drawn immediate and sharp rebukes.
The Soldier’s Account and Sacrifice
Pfc. Ted Daniels has previously spoken about the incident, explaining his actions on the battlefield. Daniels stated that he deliberately moved into the open during the firefight to draw enemy fire away from his fellow unit members. While acknowledging that "tactically" it might "not be a sound thing to do," he emphasized his intent: "I put my a– on the line for other guys." His bravery and selfless act led to him being awarded the Purple Heart, an honor for those wounded or killed in service.
The stark contrast between Platner’s alleged comments and Daniels’s account of sacrifice underscores the gravity of the controversy. Critics argue that mocking a soldier who knowingly put himself in harm’s way for his comrades demonstrates a profound lack of respect for military service and the sacrifices made by servicemen and women.
“We don’t make jokes about our brothers and sisters dying, that’s not something we do.”
Widespread Condemnation and Campaign Impact
The resurfacing of these remarks has triggered a wave of condemnation from various quarters. The National Republican Senate Committee has quickly seized on the comments, highlighting them as evidence of Platner’s unsuitability for public office. Beyond political rivals, the outrage extends to veterans’ communities and the wider public.
Notably, Platner himself is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, having served four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. This background makes the alleged comments particularly perplexing and offensive to many. A former Marine, speaking to News Desk, articulated a common sentiment: "We don’t make jokes about our brothers and sisters dying, that’s not something we do." The existence of Platner’s deleted Reddit history, meticulously documented by the Maine Monitor, ensures these past statements remain accessible and continue to plague his campaign.
A Test of Character and Respect
As the Maine Senate race progresses, this incident serves as a significant test for Graham Platner’s campaign and his public image. The core issue transcends mere political gaffes, touching upon fundamental questions of respect for those who serve and the character required of a leader. For a candidate aspiring to represent a state with a proud military tradition, such remarks about a wounded veteran carry substantial weight and could profoundly impact voter perception.
