After Two Wars and PTSD, He Became an Oyster Farmer. Why is He Running for Senate?

After Two Wars and PTSD, He Became an Oyster Farmer. Why is He Running for Senate?

From Death, Sex & Money by Slate Podcasts

March 3, 2026 · 1h 28m

About this episode

Graham Platner discusses his campaign for Senate, military experience, and views on helping working people.

Graham Platner has never run for elected office before. He’s a war veteran, an oyster farmer, and now he’s running in a Democratic primary to eventually unseat Senator Susan Collins of Maine. He’s ahead in the polls, but he’s also been criticized for Reddit comments from his past and recently covered up a tattoo that looks suspiciously like a Nazi symbol (a connection he denies knowing about ).  Last week, before the recent attacks on Iran, Anna sat down with Graham to discuss his unlikely outsider campaign. They also talk about his upbringing in rural Maine, his military experience (and current anti-war stance), and what politicians need to do to actually help working people today.  This episode was produced by Cameron Drews and Daisy Rosario. You can see a longer, video version of this interview at youtube.com/slate .  Get more Death, Sex & Money with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of DSM and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the Death, Sex & Money show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify . Or, visit slate.com/dsmplus to get access wherever you listen. If you’re new to the show, welcome. We’re so glad…

People in this episode

Host: Anna Sale

Guest: Graham Platner

Topics covered

  • politics
  • veterans
  • oyster farming
  • PTSD
  • Democratic primary
  • working class issues

Keywords

  • Graham Platner
  • Senate campaign
  • PTSD
  • oyster farmer
  • Susan Collins
  • Maine politics
  • veteran issues

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Slate Podcasts, Acast

Places: Maine, Iran

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