Overview

• CNN’s KFile reviewed since-deleted 2020–21 Reddit posts in which Platner called himself a communist, labeled police “bastards,” and said white rural Americans are racist and stupid.
• Platner told CNN the posts were him “f---ing around the internet,” disavowed them as not reflective of who he is today, and emphasized that he is a small-business owner and Marine Corps veteran.
• He said he no longer feels deep disillusionment with the U.S. but remains very angry about the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and he acknowledged behaving like an “a**hole on the Internet.”
• At a campaign stop, Gov. Janet Mills said she strongly disagrees with the comments, underscoring fault lines in a Democratic primary that also includes Jordan Wood.
• Platner has raised about $4 million since August and holds Sen. Bernie Sanders’ endorsement, as the controversy increases scrutiny in a race to challenge Sen. Susan Collins.