The Democratic Party just shot cancel culture in the foot. Its weapon of choice: Graham Platner. The controversial Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine comes with baggage that would have sunk many pols. But he’s a Democrat up against a Republican. And that is all that counts. Revelations about Platner, 41, include dismissive online remarks about rape, derogatory comments about women, and his infamous tattoo resembling the Nazi Totenkopf (death’s head) symbol, which he covered up. How many pols could take that many strikes
to their reputation and still be in the game? But Platner has some big Democratic guns in his corner, having been endorsed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (Platner’s “the real deal”), Sen. Ed Markey, Gov. Maura Healey and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders (Platner’s “not a saint.”) They seem all in on Platner’s credibility cleanse: Maine voters, he said, shouldn’t judge him “for the worst thing I said on the Internet, on my worst day 14 years ago, but who I am today and the kind of
senator I promise to be.” We bet Al Franken wishes he’d thought of that line. The New York Times spoke with three women who had been romantically involved with Platner who described volatile and “toxic” relationships that were unsettling and at times emotionally wrenching. Platner could be charming and charismatic, they recalled in interviews, but also demeaning to women and, in at least one case, even physically threatening, the Times reported. Platner denies such allegations. But that’s all fine with today’s Democrats. Well, if not
fine, at least ignorable. This is all well and good, if such political grace extends to both sides of the aisle, and reputational mud-slinging is retired from campaigns. But does anyone believe that will happen? Democrats have in effect shot themselves in the foot. The next time a Republican’s past actions come under fire, they can’t protest the chorus of “what about Platner?” that will inevitably follow. They also did no favors for their own credibility.
Graham Platner, Maine Senate race, Elizabeth Warren endorsement, Ed Markey endorsement, Maura Healey endorsement, Bernie Sanders endorsement, Totenkopf tattoo, allegations women