Veterans Criticize Senate Candidate’s Comments on Military

Veterans have criticized Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner after his past comments about the military resurfaced. Platner referred to the Army’s personnel as “full of fat, lazy trash” and mocked a soldier who was shot in combat.

Holland “Ricky” White, a Vietnam War veteran, expressed his disappointment with Platner’s statements. White shared, “I am a decorated veteran, and people need to understand what serving in the Army cost me: congestive heart failure, bilateral hearing loss, COPD, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, and PTSD.” White’s service included being part of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, which was among the first to deploy to Vietnam and faced intense fighting.

White emphasized, “As a Vietnam veteran and a black man, I know ridicule well. I lost friends, and it still hurts. I often ask, ‘Why did God spare me and not them?’ His comments like Graham’s are very offensive.”

PLATNER IN THE HOT SEAT AS MAINE VOTERS RIP HIS ‘HORRIBLE’ COMMENTS AMID REDDIT SCANDAL

Platner, who is a Democratic Senate nominee in Maine, has sparked controversy due to his deleted Reddit comments. The veteran-turned-oyster farmer aims to unseat Sen. Susan Collins in the upcoming 2026 Senate race.

Platner criticized a soldier wounded by the Taliban, writing on Reddit, “Dumb motherf—er didn’t deserve to live.” The soldier in question, Ted Daniels, survived the attack and received the Purple Heart.

Steve, another veteran and Purple Heart recipient, responded to Platner’s remarks, stating, “Mocking someone who took enemy fire to protect his squad shows a lack of understanding of brotherhood and selfless service.”

Kate Monroe, a Marine Corps veteran, remarked, “Being a veteran does not make someone honorable. Honor is shown in how you treat and speak about those who served beside you.” John Rourke, a retired Army staff sergeant, agreed, saying Platner’s actions are “a disgrace to the uniform.”

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Sen. Joni Ernst, a combat veteran, expressed her disdain for Platner’s comments. “Mocking servicemembers for getting wounded or killed is despicable,” Ernst said. “These are our brothers and sisters who volunteered to risk everything.”

Comments from Sen. Tom Cotton labeled Platner’s words as “disgraceful” and criticized his views. Meanwhile, Sen. Tim Sheehy challenged other Democrat veterans to defend Platner. The Platner campaign did not respond to requests for comment.

Sen. Dan Sullivan, a Marine Corps veteran, remarked, “This guy has failed the test of always being faithful to fellow service members.”