Collins Fights Back Against Platner’s Iraq War Criticism: ‘He Chose to Serve’
Collins fires back at Platner s Iraq – Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) has strongly contested recent remarks from Graham Platner, the leading Democratic contender in the state’s Senate race, regarding her role in the 2003 Iraq War. On Thursday, Collins addressed Platner’s comments in a statement that underscored the personal responsibility of those who enlisted in the military. She emphasized that Platner’s decision to join the armed forces was his own, not a consequence of her legislative actions.
Platner, a Marine veteran and oyster farmer, had previously stated in an interview with The New York Times that Collins “voted to send me to Iraq.” This remark, which criticized her support for the conflict, was met with a sharp rebuttal from the Republican senator. In a conversation with The Maine Wire, Collins clarified, “The truth is, that was a choice he made to serve. He was not drafted.” Her response aimed to distinguish between personal enlistment and political decisions, framing the criticism as a misattribution of responsibility.
Blackwater Connection Adds Fuel to the Debate
Collins further amplified her defense by highlighting Platner’s career in the security industry. She noted his employment with Blackwater, a private military contractor that came under scrutiny for its role in the Iraq War. The company faced allegations of violating international law, including incidents involving civilian casualties. By linking Platner’s professional ties to Blackwater, Collins sought to tie his criticism of the war to the broader context of corporate involvement in military operations.
Platner, however, quickly responded to Collins’s remarks in a video shared on social media platforms. In the clip, he asserted that Collins had “voted to support starting the war in Iraq” and pointed to her continued backing of the conflict after its initial outbreak. “She opposed troop withdrawals on three occasions and voted to fund the war on at least two other instances,” he stated. Platner argued that Collins was now shifting blame onto young veterans, claiming that their willingness to serve had been exploited by establishment politicians to justify costly and unnecessary wars.
“Instead of acknowledging that she was wrong, she’s decided to blame all of us who, in our late teens and early twenties, signed up to serve our country. That somehow it’s our fault that she and establishment politicians like her wanted to abuse our willingness to serve, to go send us off to fight in stupid wars that did nothing but make some people very, very rich at the expense of American taxpayer dollars,” Platner said.
Controversy Over Social Media Posts and a Symbolic Tattoo
Platner’s past social media activity and a chest tattoo have also drawn criticism. Several years ago, his posts on platforms like Reddit sparked backlash for mocking Purple Heart recipient Ted Daniels. In one particularly contentious post, Platner suggested that Daniels “didn’t deserve to live,” which was seen as disrespectful to a soldier who had been wounded in action. This incident, along with his tattoo—some of whom interpreted it as resembling a Nazi symbol—has shaped perceptions of his character.
Collins referenced this specific Reddit post in her recent remarks, emphasizing its impact on public sentiment. “These are men and women who are risking their lives for our country, and for him to ridicule this soldier and say he doesn’t deserve to live is just appalling,” she said. Platner, when asked by Fox News Digital about the post, refused to offer an apology. He defended his comments, stating that they were part of a broader critique of military decisions and that the criticism was justified.
“I don’t need an apology from the Democratic candidate,” said Ted Daniels, a Purple Heart recipient, when questioned by Fox News on Wednesday. “I’m the type of person that, in order for me to worry about what you say, first I have to respect you. And there’s zero to no respect for a self-proclaimed communist.”
Platner’s Political Momentum Amid Rising Tensions
Despite the heated exchange, Platner remains a formidable figure in the race. A recent survey conducted by the University of New Hampshire revealed that he is polling significantly ahead of other Democratic candidates, with 76 percent support from likely Maine voters. This strong showing underscores his appeal to a wide range of voters, including those who may be skeptical of Collins’s stance on foreign intervention.
Collins’s rebuttal has been part of a larger strategy to reframe the narrative around her Iraq War record. By focusing on Platner’s personal choices and his alignment with corporate military interests, she aims to distance herself from the criticism. However, the debate has also highlighted the broader ideological divide between the two candidates. Collins represents a more traditional Republican position, emphasizing national security and measured military action, while Platner’s critiques reflect a progressive perspective on war spending and veteran care.
The conversation has sparked discussions about the role of individual agency in military decisions versus political accountability. Collins’s insistence that Platner “was not drafted” has been interpreted by some as a way to absolve herself of blame, while others argue that her continued support for the war, even after its initial phase, warrants scrutiny. As the primary election approaches on June 9, the focus on these issues is likely to intensify, with both candidates positioning themselves as the most viable option for Maine’s voters.
Platner’s ability to mobilize support, despite his past controversies, suggests that his campaign is effective in resonating with constituents. His sharp response to Collins’s critique, combined with his emphasis on the personal sacrifices of young veterans, has helped him maintain a strong foothold in the race. Meanwhile, Collins’s defense of her record has reinforced her image as a steadfast leader committed to national defense, even as she faces pressure to address the criticisms head-on.
The exchange between the two candidates has become a microcosm of the larger campaign dynamics in Maine. As the election draws closer, their differing views on the Iraq War and its consequences will continue to shape the political landscape. Whether the focus remains on military policy or shifts toward other issues, the debate over Collins’s role in the conflict is expected to remain a key point of contention in the coming weeks.
