Democrat Governor Josh Stein Brushes Off Progressive Democrat Graham Platner’s Extremism
Last Friday, Democrat Governor Josh Stein dismissed concerns about Maine’s presumptive Democrat nominee for U.S. Senate, Graham Platner, radical background. In the interview with Punchbowl News, Stein dismissed concerns about Platner’s Nazi tattoo. Stein said, “I was concerned and troubled when I heard it. I understand that he physically changed it so it is no longer on his body. And that is a good thing.” Unlike Stein, his mentor, former Governor Roy Cooper, who is running as a Democrat to represent North Carolina in the United States Senate, has not answered looming questions about Platner’s extremism.
“Roy Cooper and his protégé, Josh Stein, continue proving to North Carolinians they are too weak to stand up to the radical left. It’s past time for Cooper to grow a spine and denounce Platner . Remaining silent is an endorsement of Platner’s disgusting character,” said NRSC Regional Press Secretary Nick Puglia.
Stein’s absolution of Planter’s background fails to cover up a clear problem for Democrats. Platner used to refer to his Nazi tattoo as “my Totenkopf” for years, and he only changed it after it proved to be a political liability. At the outset of the controversy, one unnamed Democrat strategist told The Hill, “I do not understand how we can go from having a subset of the party that is obsessed with calling Donald Trump a Nazi to then going to vast lengths to excuse a Nazi tattoo.” Notably, Planter’s campaign manager and political director resigned as revelations of Planter’s extreme views began to emerge.
Democrats are looking to topple Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine this year, a crucial state for them to take the majority. National Democrats initially backed former Governor Janet Mills, but she was unable to credibly challenge Graham Platner and his progressive message. Now, national Democrats, Cooper’s key supporters, are lining up behind Platner. Despite concerns about Platner, Cooper remains silently complicit in his support for the DC operation and its plans to help Platner.
“Crooked Roy Cooper was the most partisan governor in North Carolina history and cannot be trusted by families in our state to do the right thing. His craven partisanship even stops him from condemning a pro-Nazi candidate because their votes would be the same in the U.S. Senate,” said NCGOP Communications Director Matt Mercer.
Platner’s Nazi tattoo comes with a deep background of extreme comments. Platner recently said, “I do 100% believe that a political revolution is entirely necessary.” Additionally, Platner made disparaging comments about women and black people. This is but a sampling of his deeply troubled beliefs.
