Story perspectives

Sanders Backs Platner Amid Controversial Tattoo Scrutiny

10/22/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) publicly defended Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner amid controversy over his Reddit posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol.
Sanders praised Platner's military service and voiced confidence in his candidacy.
Platner acknowledged the tattoo's resemblance but said he did not know it carried Nazi connotations when he got it.
Despite the scrutiny, Platner remains committed to his campaign and has raised nearly $4 million.

History

Historical Context

The end of World War II in 1945 led to the Nuremberg Trials, which prosecuted Nazi war criminals and banned Nazi symbols in Germany. The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, continues to combat anti-Semitism. Today, Senator Bernie Sanders supports Graham Platner, who faces backlash for a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, highlighting ongoing societal challenges regarding hate symbols and their implications.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) publicly defended Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner amid controversy over his Reddit posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol.
Sanders praised Platner's military service and voiced confidence in his candidacy.
Platner acknowledged the tattoo's resemblance but said he did not know it carried Nazi connotations when he got it.
Despite the scrutiny, Platner remains committed to his campaign and has raised nearly $4 million.

1 / 2