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3w ago

Bill Maher Endorses Controversial Maine Democratic Nominee Graham Platner

The endorsement sharpens a rift in the party over whether to keep Platner on the ballot as Republicans escalate spending and a July 13 replacement deadline approaches.

Bill Maher
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Bill Maher sits on a set of "Real Time with Bill Maher" with a city skyline in the background, Image 2 shows Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner speaks to supporters after winning the Democratic nomination, Image 3 shows Graham Platner singing in briefs, revealing his chest tattoo at his brother's wedding
maherplatner

Overview

  • Bill Maher told viewers on Friday that Maine voters should back Graham Platner despite the candidate’s scandals, saying a Democratic Senate is the higher priority.
  • Platner secured the Democratic nomination earlier this month and will face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November, making the seat a key pickup target for national Democrats.
  • Reporting has verified specific controversies tied to Platner, including a chest tattoo that resembled a Nazi Totenkopf, sexting while married, dated inflammatory social posts, and accounts from former partners describing volatile or intimidating behavior.
  • Democratic leaders are divided over whether to hold the nominee or try to replace him before the July 13 deadline, and Republican-aligned groups have increased ad buys and messaging to nationalize and weaken the Democratic position.
  • Media and commentators are split in framing the choice as one between electability and standards, with Maher comparing Platner to President Trump and arguing that voters must accept flawed candidates to regain Senate control.