An adviser to Sen. Bernie Sanders pushed back Sunday against criticism surrounding a tattoo worn by Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, arguing that the design has been mischaracterized as a Nazi symbol.
The exchange took place during a panel discussion on ABC’s “This Week,” where former Republican Rep. Pat McHenry of North Carolina raised concerns about Democratic candidates he described as insufficiently vetted ahead of key Senate races.
McHenry pointed to Platner, the presumptive Democratic nominee challenging Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine, as an example. Platner has faced scrutiny over a tattoo reportedly inspired by the “Totenkopf,” or “Death’s Head,” insignia. The symbol is widely associated with Nazi Germany’s SS and has drawn criticism from political opponents and commentators.
Discussing Democratic recruitment efforts in competitive races, McHenry contrasted Platner with former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, whom he described as a more moderate figure.
“You have a two-term governor in North Carolina, Roy Cooper,” McHenry said. “The Democrats did a nice job of recruiting somebody who had a more moderate image than what you saw in Maine and these other states like Texas.”
He continued by arguing that Democrats in Maine and Texas were dealing with candidates whose backgrounds had not been fully examined by voters.
“But the issue in Maine, just like in Texas, is they have an unvetted candidate,” McHenry said. “And it turns out the guy with the Nazi tattoo turns out to be a pretty bad guy in Maine.”
Before McHenry could finish his point, Faiz Shakir, who managed Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign and appeared on the panel, interrupted to challenge the characterization.
“A tattoo that was skull and crossbones, not a Nazi tattoo,” Shakir said.
McHenry responded that the debate over the tattoo’s origins did not change the broader political issue facing Platner’s campaign.
“OK, we can quibble about whether or not how Nazi the Nazi tattoo,” McHenry said, “but this is emblematic of his problems. And Maine voters will have a say about it.”
The controversy stems from the historical significance of the Totenkopf symbol. According to records introduced during the Nuremberg Trials following World War II, the insignia was used by the SS Totenkopfverbände, the branch responsible for administering Nazi concentration camps. Variations of the symbol were also used by military units within the Waffen-SS.
The tattoo issue is not the only controversy surrounding Platner. The Democratic candidate has also faced criticism over past social media activity, including posts that opponents have described as inappropriate. Reports have additionally highlighted remarks in which Platner allegedly mocked a wounded American serviceman.
Despite the criticism, Platner continues to receive support from several prominent progressive figures, including Sanders. The race is expected to draw significant national attention as Democrats seek to challenge Collins, one of the Senate’s most prominent Republican incumbents.
