Rep. Jake Auchincloss, a Democrat from Massachusetts, has received criticism from both the left and right after he softened his stance on Graham Platner, the presumptive Democratic nominee for the Maine Senate seat. Auchincloss had previously condemned Platner for a Nazi-linked tattoo, stating, "I hope Maine voters agree with me." However, he later clarified that he was not endorsing Platner's opponent, Republican Sen. Susan Collins, and distanced himself from his earlier comments urging voters to oppose Platner.
Platner has faced scrutiny since revealing that he had a black skull-and-crossbones tattoo, which he claimed he did not recognize as a Nazi symbol at the time of getting it during a Marine deployment in Croatia. Auchincloss stated on social media, "As I said months ago, I find Platner's Nazi tattoo and his commentary about it personally disqualifying. If it were me, I'd vote for someone else in the Maine Democratic primary."
Critics from various political backgrounds have expressed their discontent. Leftist journalist Peter Beinart questioned Auchincloss's commitment to electing a Democratic senator, while progressive commentator Rachel Bitecofer criticized him for focusing on Platner's tattoo rather than policy issues. On the right, conservatives accused Auchincloss of yielding to pressure after his initial criticism of Platner.
Platner, who has been endorsed by prominent Democrats, has also faced backlash for past social media posts and comments. He has since covered up the tattoo and claimed he was unaware of its Nazi connotations. The Maine Senate race is viewed as critical for Democrats in their efforts to regain control of the Senate in the upcoming midterm elections.