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Democrats Defend Nazi-Tattooed Platner After Primary Win

6/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Democratic leaders defended Graham Platner despite his Nazi-symbol tattoo and assault allegations, saying voter choice matters.
Graham Platner won Maine’s Democratic Senate primary and will face incumbent Susan Collins in November.
Senators Adam Schiff, Ruben Gallego and Bernie Sanders said the decision rests with Maine voters.
An April AP-NORC poll showed about two-thirds of Democrats view the party favorably, down from 85% in September 2024.

History

Historical Context

At the August 26-29 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Mayor Richard J. Daley’s police deployed tear gas and arrested 668 demonstrators as anti-Vietnam protesters clashed with officers. The turmoil forced the party to overhaul delegate rules, spawning the McGovern-Fraser reforms that shifted nominations toward primary elections, a change still shaping today’s Democratic contests.

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Story summary

Democratic leaders defended Graham Platner despite his Nazi-symbol tattoo and assault allegations, saying voter choice matters.
Graham Platner won Maine’s Democratic Senate primary and will face incumbent Susan Collins in November.
Senators Adam Schiff, Ruben Gallego and Bernie Sanders said the decision rests with Maine voters.
An April AP-NORC poll showed about two-thirds of Democrats view the party favorably, down from 85% in September 2024.

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