Dan Bongino sharply criticized Democrats and Senate candidate Graham Platner after the Maine Democrat won his party’s primary in a landslide, calling the result evidence of what he described as a dangerous direction for the Democratic Party.
Speaking on “The Dan Bongino Show,” Bongino reacted to Platner’s victory over former Maine Gov
Janet Mills, noting that Platner secured roughly 72% of the vote compared with Mills’ 17%. “Plattner, this freaking lunatic, wins the primary for the United States Senate in the state of Maine,” Bongino said during the broadcast. He described the outcome as “insanity” and argued that the Democratic Party is ignoring warning signs about its direction.
Bongino repeatedly referenced past controversies surrounding Platner
including criticism over a tattoo that has been compared to a Nazi symbol and previous online posts that have drawn widespread scrutiny. “The media keeps saying it ‘resembles’ a Nazi tattoo,” Bongino said. “That’s because it was a Nazi tattoo.” Platner has previously said the tattoo was obtained while drinking with fellow Marines and later covered after he learned it resembled a Nazi symbol, though the timeline of events does not support his claims.
He mocked one of the interview participants while dismissing the explanation that voters prefer candidates who have overcome personal failures
Bongino also criticized activists who backed Platner’s campaign and discussed a Wall Street Journal interview in which organizers defended their vetting process and argued that candidates should not be judged solely by past mistakes. The host argued that the Democratic Party has embraced ideas he believes are fundamentally dangerous and claimed there is no moderate figure waiting to redirect the party.
“There is nobody coming to save the Democrat Party,” Bongino said
He added that voters face a choice between what he described as “a flawed party” and “the Nazi communists,” while acknowledging Republicans are not without faults. Bongino’s remarks came days after Platner secured the Democratic nomination despite months of controversy surrounding his campaign.
Platner has faced criticism over inflammatory Reddit posts, allegations from former partners, and renewed scrutiny over his past behavior
The candidate has denied recent allegations against him and has argued that political opponents are attempting to weaponize his past. He has also publicly discussed struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder following combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan and has apologized for some of his earlier online comments.
Supporters have defended Platner by arguing that his personal growth and accountability should outweigh mistakes made years ago
During the Wall Street Journal interview highlighted by Bongino, organizers suggested voters do not want candidates who are “grown in vats” without flaws and instead prefer authentic people who have experienced hardship. Bongino rejected that reasoning and argued the vetting process should have uncovered the controversies before Platner became the party’s nominee.
The conservative commentator also briefly referenced South Carolina politics, noting that Rep
Nancy Mace had fallen short in the state’s gubernatorial contest before returning to his criticism of Platner and Democratic leadership. Throughout the segment, Bongino framed Platner’s victory as a broader reflection of the Democratic Party rather than an isolated race in Maine. His comments represent a popular opinion about Platner from many on the right, and a growing number of people on the left.
Platner has consistently defended himself against criticism while maintaining that his record since returning to Maine demonstrates personal growth and a commitment to public service
The Senate race is expected to become one of the most closely watched contests of the 2026 midterm elections as Platner prepares to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Bongino’s blistering reaction underscores how the race has become a national flashpoint, with both supporters and critics viewing it as a test of whether voters are willing to look beyond a candidate’s controversial past in favor of his current message and policy agenda.
