Former congressman Joe Walsh said he cannot support Democrat Graham Platner, calling him "despicable," dishonest and a "bullsh*tter" during an episode of The Social Contract podcast. Platner is the presumptive Democratic nominee after Governor Janet Mills withdrew, but he has faced controversy over past comments and a tattoo he says he did not know had Nazi connotations. Walsh said the key problem is that Platner has not owned those issues and alleged anti‑Semitism is a dealbreaker for him.
Joe Walsh Refuses To Back Graham Platner, Calls Him 'Despicable' And A 'Bullsh*tter'
Former congressman Joe Walsh — once a prominent Never-Trump conservative who recently registered as a Democrat — delivered a blistering critique of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner on his podcast, calling him "despicable," dishonest and a "bullsh*tter." Walsh made the remarks on The Social Contract while speaking with longtime progressive activist Cliff Schecter.
Background: Platner became the presumptive Democratic nominee after Maine Governor Janet Mills announced she would not run for the Senate. His campaign has faced sustained scrutiny over past comments and a tattoo he says he did not realize had Nazi connotations; he has since covered the tattoo and denied knowingly embracing those symbols.
Walsh's Criticism
Walsh said he expected the Democratic Party to be a broad tent when he switched parties, but drew a firm line at supporting Platner. He argued that many voters may overlook past mistakes if a candidate takes responsibility, but said Platner has not done so in his view.
Joe Walsh: "I find him to be an utterly despicable, dishonest and inauthentic guy. ... He’s done the exact opposite [of owning his past]. I also, Cliff, find him to be an anti‑Semite, and that’s a real, real red line for me. ... I can’t support him because I think he’s anti‑Semitic and I think he’s a bullsh*tter completely."
Walsh acknowledged he may be in the minority among Democrats who are willing to back Platner, and he conceded that Platner might still be competitive against incumbent Senator Susan Collins in this political year. Schecter noted that Walsh's stance is noteworthy given Walsh's own shift from conservative circles to the Democratic Party.
What This Means
The exchange underscores tensions within the Democratic coalition over how to weigh past controversies against electability. For Walsh, allegations of anti‑Semitism and perceived dishonesty are disqualifying; for some voters, other factors may outweigh those concerns.
Remarks summary based on Walsh's episode of The Social Contract. The original report appeared on Mediaite.
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