A Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine is facing backlash following the emergence of an old Reddit post that seemingly celebrates the potential death of a wounded American veteran.
The account in question belongs to Graham Platner, who has confirmed his association with the Reddit handle “P-Hustle.” In a June 2019 discussion related to a viral video capturing Army Pfc. Ted Daniels during a 2012 ambush against Taliban forces, Platner made disparaging remarks about Daniels, who was shot multiple times but bravely survived the encounter.
“This video never gets old,” Platner remarked, before launching into a vulgar tirade directed at Daniels, labeling him a “Dumb motherf—–” and claiming he “didn’t deserve to live.” Although the post has since been deleted, it is accessible in the Maine Monitor’s archive of Platner’s past Reddit activity.
In interviews, Daniels has explained that he intentionally drew enemy fire to protect his fellow soldiers, admitting that while it was “not a sound tactical decision,” he acted for the sake of his comrades.
As a veteran of the Marine Corps with four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Platner now faces severe criticism from various quarters, including the National Republican Senatorial Committee and veterans who believe his remarks crossed a serious ethical line.
Adam Schwarze, a former Navy SEAL and a Republican Senate candidate himself, condemned Platner’s comments, asserting, “We don’t make jokes about our brothers and sisters dying; that’s not normal.” He emphasized that while some service members may engage in friendly banter, publicly deriding a wounded soldier stands apart.
Schwarze noted, “We don’t post about our brothers getting wounded in action.”
NRSC regional press secretary Samantha Cantrell added, “Anyone who mocks American soldiers who sacrificed for freedom and cheers on terrorists has no business in the U.S. Senate.”
This disgusting man should suspend his campaign RIGHT NOW.
Graham Platner, a socialist candidate for Senate in Maine, said a PURPLE HEART recipient doesn’t deserve to live:
“This video never gets old. Dumb motherf***er didn’t deserve to live.” https://t.co/QSxR0ntaXb
— Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen) May 21, 2026
Fox News Digital has reached out to Platner’s campaign for a statement. Platner previously defended his controversial comments as jokes intended to provoke rather than reflect his actual beliefs.
“You should read the comments in context. It’s very clear I’m joking,” Platner explained to Fox News Digital. “It’s called s—posting. It’s when you argue with people on the internet and try to bother them.”
In recent months, Platner has faced scrutiny over further controversial posts, with Republican opponents poised to keep his online history in the spotlight as the campaign intensifies.
He has emerged as the Democratic presumptive nominee after former Governor Janet Mills dropped out of the race last month, trailing behind him in both polls and fundraising. Supported by progressive figures like Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, Platner aims to challenge five-term Republican Senator Susan Collins in an election anticipated to garner national attention.
If successful in the June primary, Platner is set to face Collins in November, a race that could significantly impact the dynamics of the U.S. Senate.
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