but a guy who knows the smear machine inside and out and who is currently not on their side.

His knowledge of how they work is valuable.

So much as the hill they are willing to climb to atone for those things.

and I appreciate that...and he's done a lot of good, since reaching the realization that R's were moving away from....sanity.

Truly, his best attribute is his knowledge of how the other side thinks and works.

Clearly, he has a moral compass, it just took a long time to point North.

But, I don't forget things he did before, while appreciating what he's done since.

And in politics, a man who was on the inside is worth ten who weren't. At least.

Plus - I have to admit I like the guy. He's like the dad a lot of us wished he had.

Until we have defeated the MAGAts, we should embrace allies where we can. And he's right about this.

Wilson is actively engaged in the anti-Trump movement. He's not one of us, but he's against Trump.

of the '24 campaign, and folks hereabouts thought it was great cause we needed all the friends we could get. I believe that turned some folks off, just saying...

or "wheeled him out." Never Trumpers endorsing Harris didn't "turn off" Democratic voters. Just like Mandami visiting Trump at the White House didn't turn off anybody.

And given it matches his admitted writings about women lends further credibility.

And likewise some of the women who accused Franken of groping were Democrats. But I guess it makes it easier to dismiss if the only part you acknowledge is the Republican. But 7 other women said he didn't keep his hands to himself.

The unwillingness to acknowledge that being a Democrat doesn't mean someone can't do bad things is weird.

spoken about.

I also give weight to the 3 other girlfriends that never felt “unsettled” by the behavior they knew was him in a dark place.

None mentioned physical violence of any kind - nor did any of them mention him calling his tattoo his Nazi tattoo even though I’m sure they all saw it many many times.

Bad? Yes many Democrats can acknowledge bad behavior. Platner has spoken about it many many times and how he is not proud of his dark behavior after his 3 tours of Iraq and Afghanistan.

The women reported he left bruises on them. Sorry but this is majorly problematic.

She said happened. Only her. He says otherwise. Mutual friend said they had a volatile relationship but it seemed out of character for him. No one can corroborate. Did it happen? Don’t know. If it did I believe it is terrible behavior but sadly that happens. If it were my boyfriend I would probably not have fallen asleep since she said he locked the door which would mean this door oddly locks from outside. but I would definitely have left in morning as she did and never gone back as she didn’t. But whatever it was it is not behavior that to me would stop me from voting for him and the policies he’s advocating. And since there are no other incidents from people more recently in his life I give him credit for addressing his alcoholism and anger issues and trying to be a better man.

My 2 cents and your mileage may vary. That’s ok.

republicans.

Because repubs cut their food stamps or people living outside because section 8 has new rules and limits or people dying of treatable disease because repubs don’t think poor people are worth treating

But I have never seen you advocate to fix any of those problems, not a one

No one reported bruises or injuries, not even the Republican woman. In fact there is a quote from her to that effect. And only this Republican claimed what you described.

As for the other two of the total of three women accusing him, people should decide for themselves after reading what they actually said. As I said in my reply to you in another thread, there is no "there" there.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=21284126

I have. Some battered women cover the bruises or lie about how they happened out of fear and or embarrassment. I did. I thought I had a concussion once and said I fell instead of saying that during a fit of anger my ex kicked a wooden stool across the room and it hit me hard in my forehead.

Just saying… some women do not report the incidents… it happens.

Even the Republican operatve - who btw I just found out formed a group called Ladies for Kavanaugh and helped craft the smears against Christine Ford - states that explicitly.

Imagine a woman who doesn't believe other women now expecting us to believe her? The irony. The nerve. And the thing is I might still believe her if she claimed anything I see as constituting abuse.

I'll trade your wooden stool for a broken wooden chair that left a permanent scar. Or....You could DM me and I will tell you about the damage - mental, emotional and physical - that a malignant narcissist leaves behind. Though I have to watch the triggers as you probably do too.

I do understand where the caution and warnings about Platner come from. Women especially have to be vigilant for any red flags. We diverge in our views about whether that vigilance is warranted here or if it's just republican f******.

I am sorry that abuse happened to you as well. No one can know what that feels like - the disbelief, betrayal, the world turning on its head - unless it's happened to them.

And I am so sorry it happened to you as well.

I had a relative who was nearly murdered by her wacko husband, but she recovered and managed to live a healthy life afterwards. Hope you always do the same!

It was a long time ago, however some things stick with you for life.

She moved far away from him, but it took years before she stopped being afraid he would find her. The last time I saw her she was very happy with her new life. I wish the same for you!

I divorced and never remarried, and I am okay with that. However, it left a hole.

Thank you.

It looks like a republican hit job to me. Haven’t seen the evidence of physical violence.

But I don't like this kind of choice.

They will find something, and if they don't, they'll create something.

No one is perfect, and they know that. If a candidate hasn't done anything really wrong, he/she at least has some people in his/her past with resentments or complaints. Or people who can be bribed or who have political leanings to motivate them.

If we are looking for politicians who will really turn things around, we'd better get used to it.

Thank you. So wise.

and it probably didn't change many minds.

We still don't know what the WSJ is sitting on.

I'm expecting a drip, drip, drip, all summer long.

I'm sorry, I'd never, never ever vote for someone with a Nazi tattoo. That's my line.

So, for anyone who excuses it by saying, "He didn't know it was a Nazi tattoo".....this makes it worse in my book because he would be too stupid to know he was getting a nazi tattoo.

Is that correct. It sure seems like that's what you want.

I don't. There are other candidates though.

If we're having to choose between:

Trust fund child, sexting while married guy, with Nazi tattoos
Vs
Susan Collins

We're in bad, bad shape.

Actually, I do see. Quite clearly. This is your second thread related to Platner. Both are attempts to hurt his campaign.

I see...

It's not my second thread on this.

So, let's see if I got this right: You're okay with electing Nazi tattooed people to the Senate?

So far, I've only seen the coverup tattoo.

I really don't look at tattoos all that much. Lots of people get them without realizing what they're getting. Many people get them when they've had a few too many drinks, too.

So, I don't pay a lot of attention to people's tattoos when they're running for office. You do, apparently. Why is that?

Good to know you're totally cool with Nazi tattoos.

Cause maybe he was drunk when he got it.
Maybe he didn't know what it was.

Great reasons.

So you're cool with Kegsbreaths Christian Nationalist tattoos as well I bet?

You do not know me, clearly.

Bye, now.

And I'm thankful!

If people like them can transform and become leaders in the anti-racist, non-violent movement then I can forgive someone who got a nazi tatoo and is now a leader for progressive values.

I can't.

Why is it so hard to think that someone wouldn't recognize that this particular skull and crossbones was a Nazi skull and crossbones??? I haven't seen any explanation of that, but I have heard at least one historian of the period say that he wouldn't have recognized it as a Nazi type skull and crossbones.

This is up to each person to decide for themselves and I have. You can decide for yourself as well and it appears that you have as is your right to do so. All I've said is that I draw the line at Nazi tattoos. You can choose where to draw the line yourself.

Calling me stupid doesn't bestow any right to you to ask where I posted it. Rest assured, it's in one of the 50,000 Platner posts out there today. You can find it yourself.

Just rephrasing the prior statement. A strawman would technically require something new.

And you still have not answered the question posed to you. Now, will you say "I don't need to," because your silence speaks volumes.

Your effort to turn this upon me is futile. Keep trying though if you will.

It was a Nazi tattoo. I'd bet most people didn't know. I just saw it as the typical skull that is a classic subject of tattoos.

The point is......hopefully you didn't get a Nazi tattoo or other tattoos you don't know the meaning of, that's all.

would just assume that it was a regular skull tattoo unless the artist disclosed that it was a Nazi image. It's possible that the artist themself didn't know. I don't think the majority of people are up on Nazi symbology.

I'm Jewish, I am comfortable with Platner's explanation.

Good for you. I admit that explanation is a possibility.

I think it's hard to believe myself. I'm thinking that if I'm getting a tattoo, I'm going to prioritize the meaning of it before I get it.

You should vote for Platner if you desire to and are able to. That's for you to decide.

By betting on policy she is helping create, betting before the policy changes are announced that i have not heard you mention

Please stop helping republicans

So no one outside of this forum will know what I wrote. Explain to me how that's helping Republicans. Explain how the fact that I've pointed out that there are other DEMS on the Maine ballot to vote for is helping Republicans. Screw the GOP.

Stop accusing me of things I haven't done.

Still not a bad word or comment about susan Collins apparent insider trading?

I don't support Collins in any way. If you look through my other posts today you'll see that. She has been a horrible senator and a rubber stamp for horrible policies and most importantly, judges and other extreme far right appointees since she began her term. I can't stand that woman and her fake "concerns".

Let me add, I wasn't aware of whatever inside trading she may have or not done until today. I'm not sure how to condemn this woman in any stronger manner than I have.

100% disagree.

I will never support an antisemite, anyone with Nazi tattoos, anyone affiliated with the Nazis in ANY way, nor any Nazi sympathizers.

I support Mills AND Costello. Both are Dems.

I have not and will never support an R.

That was a dodge.

A Ford man. Have a Dodge but prefer Ford.

Don't accuse me of helping Collins. If you look through my posts and the other 50,000 posts today about this, I clearly do not support Collins. Maybe you're against the other Dems in this election? So you don't support the SITTING DEMOCRAT governor of Maine? You must be helping Rs.

ALL I've said is that I draw the line at supporting ANYONE with Nazi tattoos.

(Without AIPAC’s help)

And constantly dissing our front runner then you are clearly helping Collins

You're dissing AIPAC. Are you antisemitic?

I’m anti Palestinians being held for years in Israel’s jail w/o charges while being raped and tortured, I’m anti wars of choice like what Israel is doing in iran and lebenon

To be clear I don’t blame the Jewish people for these things but I do blame Israel’s government and I don’t want my government supporting or paying for any of it

It seems like you and I agree on those points.

I say I support Israel's government?

Can I not hate Nazis while also not supporting Netanyahu?

What does AIPAC have to do with Judaism?

Are we conflating Judaism with the government of Israel?

The tattoo is problematic. Whenever I see it as a tattoo or a decal on a vehicle or some item of clothing, I assume the person who is sporting it is someone to avoid at all costs because they are probably in with the militias who use it as a marker to show they belong to that mindset.

Even worse, for me, is a shitty attitude towards women, in general, and not having enough respect or recognition regarding the rights that have been stripped away that affect everyday life (and death) for too many women. We are at least half the population. Anyone who can't demonstrate even respect for half the population is a major disqualifying factor.

Glad we have ranked choice voting and other options.

He works part time and went to school full time last year but this year the goal is to keep him alive after the devastating gop cuts

I would vote for the devil himself to end this republican terror we are going through

I worked construction with men for years and I realized pretty quickly I needed to give them a heads up before entering the job because men are raunchy, even my own beloved hubby when he’s with his guy pals loves a raunchy joke. Men and women are wired differently and that doesn’t bother me.

The trucking industry for decades and I have issues with the disrespect thing. I don't see this candidate as our saving grace and I am thankful there are other candidates to vote for who actually have experience and a sense of respect and decision-making qualities that I don't see in all of them.

One of them will win the primary and I hope beyond hope that whomever it is will oust concerned susan. She has no excuse for her actions in office yet I don't see her staying in office after this. Mainers have had with her as far as I can see from my little spot in the state. She sure gets poster space at the No Kings rallies.

I am waiting to see what the primary results are and hope the victor ousts collins. I'm hoping for a blue tsunami like the rest of us. Too much has been taken from too many and that needs to be changed.

That support isn’t going to increase by enough to give us the wave we all want, to give us the democratic majority

And then people like my grandchild will die

(they know a few things about Nazis)
Platner is also a (self described) military history buff. Also described the tattoo as 'my Totenkopf' - years before supposedly 'realizing' and subsequently covering it up.

Can perhaps buy the argument of the ink as a drunken mistake. That happens. (although the idea that a Serb/Croatian artist didn't know actual content ... joking, right? completely spurious!) The idea that Platner himself didn't 'know' for years ... Nah. Dude held on to this 'bad dude', hell raiser, Hell's Angels, 'bro ethic' for years - and didn't particularly care ...

It's possible (with benefit of the doubt) to see this man as a genuinely reformed character. What doesn't wash (or present as particularly honest) - is to pretend like this isn't who he was ... For years. You're probably going to see a lot more of his really cringe internet postings coming to light. Hang on! We might be able to get past it. But it's not going to be possible to whitewash it.

That's exactly how I feel about this.

Choosing between Collins and Nazi supporters for which I dislike most? I'm going with Nazi supporters as who is worse.

Even more unfortunate that there are so many people who don't understand a person being able to change.

Instead, I tend to question people who have never changed something in their lives to a great degree. It makes me think that they think they are perfect to start with, and life lessons mean nothing.

But he appears to be pre Nazi Germany era to me.

Are you saying ALL swastikas are Nazi? Cause they're not.

But good of you to admit that your 'Nazi' tattoo/insignia schtick is bunk.

The dude was August von Mackensen.

The skull and crossbones are the regimental insignia of the KuK 1. Lieb Hussaren Regiment of the Prussian (later Imperial) Guard. This was later adopted by the German Army (Heer - as in not SS) Armored troops. Unfortunately, the SS adopted it too, though usually in a slightly modified form to distinguish themselves.

Now you know.

Did I say HE was wearing a swastika?

And I was right! He IS pre-Nazi.

No I didn't. You clearly didn't follow along. I can find a random image of someone with a swastika on their clothing WHO ISN'T a Nazi.

Try again.

So all Germans are Nazis. Even the Pre-Nazis.

Watch your step....

Last edited Fri Jun 5, 2026, 07:12 PM - Edit history (1)

You said it buddy, not me!

That take is disgusting and insane.

…because, before all this came up, I thought that was just a skull-and-crossbones variant. I never saw that presented as a Nazi symbol, and it’s certainly not commonly recognized as one in the way that a swastika or iron cross would be.

Reply 63 from "stopdiggin" earlier.

why did Platner cover it up?

Unless people have a problem with Ohio, I see no reason for concern.

why did Platner cover it up?

This is total BS.

Last edited Fri Jun 5, 2026, 01:48 PM - Edit history (1)

Now that he's a strond candidate and that Collins is sinking like a turd in a punch bowl, all of this comes out rapid fire.

I smell a timing gish gallop to sink him on character when they can't on policy.

And we Democrats fall for the trap each time.

This is Swift Boat/Al Franken purity redux. Rinse and fucking repeat.

election cycle.

It's mainly between Graham Platner and David Costello in the Democratic primary. (Janet Mills dropped out in April but her name is still on the ballot.)

Susan Collins is running unopposed in the Repuke primary.

Meaning she was not actively campaigning. I'm glad she's still on the ballot.

NOBODY IS THE NOMINEE UNTIL WE HAVE OUR PRIMARY NEXT WEEK.

I don't recall nominees foregoing the primary when there are more than one candidate running. Simply because someone has sucked all the air out of the room does not automatically make them the nominee.

When did that change? And for just this state?

Just stop it already, jezus,

I'm glad we have ranked choice voting here, it means that he's not the nominee until the counting is done and he comes out on top.


Fuckin' A. people.

Every damn time.

And I'm glad there are others on the ballot. Ranked choice means that there may be an unexpected, for some, winner. I wouldn't put all my eggs in one basket on this guy who seems to be flawed beyond what some find acceptable.

This is why I hate primaries of all kind. It always turns into circular firing squads and our candidate that wins comes out bloodied. Then the sharks jump in on them and we lose because our own party did the other side's opposition research.

The primary is 9 June.



Jesus wept...

And if Jesus wept, I don't care. I'm Jewish.

Reading comprehension

NT