I’m the Soldier Graham Platner Mocked

The Wall Street Journal ^ | May 28, 2026 11:41 am ET | Teddy Daniels

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Democratic men are having an identity crisis. He’s a prime example.

Democratic men are having an identity crisis. Maine’s Graham Platner, the party’s presumptive nominee for U.S. Senate, is a prime example. Mr. Platner presents himself as a savior for working-class Americans while his background screams the opposite and his offensive comments about fellow veterans—including me—speak poorly of his character.

The tough-talking Marine veteran struts around in a Carhartt jacket and jeans, but recent reporting relates that he comes from a prestigious family where he had access to an elite private-school education and a lifestyle of privilege. He also plays up his job as an “oyster farmer,” but the only client mentioned in his federal financial disclosure was the restaurant his mother owns.

Mr. Platner has been caught disparaging the service of fellow veterans like decorated Navy SEAL Chris Kyle and Vice President JD Vance. He also disparaged me while commenting on a viral video of a firefight in which I sustained numerous wounds from a Taliban ambush. I received a Purple Heart for my injuries, but Mr. Platner cheered for my death from behind a keyboard.

Kyle, Mr. Vance and I didn’t grow up privileged. Kyle’s father worked for the phone company. We all know Mr. Vance’s story from “Hillbilly Elegy.” I was the son of a brick-mason father and a mother who worked in a textile mill.

My father, who died of cancer several years ago, would have had a field day with Mr. Platner. He was always talking about the “spoiled,” “rich kid” politicians who came out to job sites to get votes and take pictures. Dad would comment on the work boots they wore, boots that never saw a day of work, and their Carhartt jackets, which still had creases from being on...

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TOPICS: Culture/Society; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS:

[Da Coyote]

I’ve never met a Marine that I have not respected. Thankfully, I’ve never met Platner.

[jmaroneps37]

He is.adisgrace to the Marine Corps.

[rlmorel]

I give default respect to Marines that I have met and known.

But obviously, that stops with people like the despicable John Murtha and… Graham Platner.

[Tudorfly]

I have met Graham Platner. And talked with him. And listened to him talk with others. I respect his service as a Marine and as a soldier. My perspective: he is mentally ill...his mental elevator doesn’t go to the top. Never has. He is a socialist at best. A communist at worst. Began when he was a teenager. He opposses the rich in all forms...but like a good progressive socialist, thinks only good thoughts about rich Senators Pocohantas Warren or lying Bernie Sanders or Maine’s corrupt governor Janet Mills. He is a liar. He will be a horrible choice for America and for Maine. I’m not a fan of Susan Collins, but will vote for her in June and November. Platner needs to find and accept Jesus as his savior, and adjust his thinking and life accordingly .

[Sequoyah101]

There bad apples in every barrel but I tend to give veterans and Marines in particular benefit of doubt until they lose that consideration. After, I just think of them as a disgrace to the Corps and themselves. Planner was easy to despise from early.

[Sequoyah101]

It is a shame his competition is so lousy.

[NorthMountain]

Prior military service is a poor predictor of present (or future) political performance.

Uniformed serviceman so-and-so is an entirely different person from politician so-and-so.

[No name given]

In fact, Graham platner is a disgrace to our species.

[gildafarrell]

Thank you, Mr. Daniels. You’ve demonstrated to the rest of the world that Platner is the back end of a horse’s patoot. Thank you. Semper Fi, sir!

[FlingWingFlyer]

Platner is a treasonous Nazi/Commie pig. Marine MY ASS! He’s trying to look like Chris Kyle. He’s a phony azzho.