Representative Seth Moulton became visibly agitated when confronted by an individual asking about his support for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platter. The candidate has drawn significant criticism for past Nazi-linked tattoos, social media activity, and accusations of infidelity.
During the encounter, which was captured on video, the questioner asked Moulton directly, "Congressman Moulton, do you endorse Graham Platter? Do you endorse Graham Platter in Maine?" Moulton responded by questioning the individual's identity and purpose before appearing to slap the phone out of their hand. He then added, "You should do a better job at hanging onto your phone."
Moulton, who has not yet endorsed Platter, later criticized the questioner on social media, identifying them as a tracker from the conservative PAC America Rising. "Typical MAGA to classify an @AmericaRising tracker as a "reporter." I'm not going to apologize for how much MAGA pisses me off. I'll take them on anywhere, anytime, and I won't back down," Moulton stated. His communications director further accused Fox News, which published the video, of paying America Rising members to "track" him, a claim Fox News denied.
Platter secured the Democratic nomination for the Senate in an early June primary despite facing multiple scandals. These include the revelation of a Nazi tattoo he has since covered, which he reportedly disclosed to former romantic partners. Controversial Reddit posts containing homophobic remarks and sexually explicit content were also unearthed. Additionally, allegations surfaced of Platter texting other women sexually while married and maintaining a shirtless profile on the app Kik. Platter has characterized these stories as "gossip" and stated that his marriage remains strong.
One of Platter's advisors, Daniel Moraff, also faced scrutiny for an essay that reportedly included sexual fantasies involving historical figures. Despite these controversies, prominent Democrats, including Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, have continued to back Platter. House Democrat Ro Khanna spoke at a rally for Platter, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated support, stating, "we're going to beat Susan Collins and take back the Senate."
Platter, a Marine and Army National Guard veteran, is considered by Democrats as a potential candidate to win back working-class voters in the upcoming midterm elections. He faces incumbent Republican Susan Collins in a state that voted for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in 2024. Polls have indicated Platter holding a slight lead in the race.