Platner's primary victory shows just how deep the Democrats' fracture goes

Graham Platner's victory in Maine's Democratic State primary signals an alarming escalation in the widening rift between the Democratic Party, its Jewish constituents, and Israel. Platner secured the win after his initial opponent, Gov. Janet Mills, withdrew from the race amid a surge of support for the outsider candidate. Platner will now challenge Republican incumbent Susan Collins, who has represented Maine as a senior senator since 1997.

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bought and paid for by Benjamin Netanyahu

Platner, a progressive populist who has gained grassroots backing by promising to address the economic struggles of the U.S. middle class, holds intensely anti-Israel views. His opposition goes beyond critiquing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government's policies in defending against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, a stance shared by over half of Israeli citizens. Instead, Platner aligns himself with those who frequently use terms like 'genocide' and 'baby killers' in relation to Israel.

Platner's campaign has shown a strong focus on Israel. His first online advertisement, released in August, declared he would never seek endorsement from the pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC, citing his belief that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza. More recently, he shifted his focus to Collins, alleging her campaign was "bought and paid for by Benjamin Netanyahu" and claiming that AIPAC provided a third of her campaign funding. Federal Election Commission data indicates that a significant portion of donations to Collins in the previous quarter came from individuals using the pro-Israel lobby as an intermediary, and she also received a small donation directly from AIPAC's super PAC.

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invokes classic antisemitic rhetoric

However, Platner's broad, anti-establishment statements appear to stem from animosity toward Israel and a belief in a "Jewish lobby" that allegedly controls Washington. The Anti-Defamation League commented that Platner's remarks about Collins "invokes classic antisemitic rhetoric" and the "age-old dual loyalty trope that casts Jewish Americans as more loyal to Israel than their own country." Adding to the controversy, Platner previously had a Nazi Totenkopf tattoo on his chest for nearly two years until it drew criticism on the campaign trail. Despite these issues, Platner's defenders have intensified their support, blaming American supporters of Israel or Israel itself for bringing up his past.

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Such accusations call up the age-old dual loyalty trope that casts Jewish Americans as more loyal to Israel than their own country.