Former first son Hunter Biden on Friday defended Graham Platner, the embattled progressive candidate running for U.S. Senate in Maine, urging voters to give him a break during an appearance on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) podcast.Platner, a Marine veteran and oyster farmer, has faced mounting scrutiny over his past conduct, particularly allegations involving his relationships with women and a tattoo linked to a symbol used by the Nazis. Despite the controversies, he won Tuesday’s Democratic primary, though questions remain about whether voters will continue to support him in the general election.“He was a veteran, a combat veteran, and he came back,” Biden said. “He had some real issues, and with PTSD, and that trauma, and whatever way that he was working it out, I think he had been really open about.”
Biden argued most people would struggle to withstand the scrutiny directed at public figures, saying people deserve second chances.
Reports have revealed that Platner exchanged sexually explicit messages with multiple women shortly after marrying his wife in late 2023. Three former girlfriends accused him of emotionally abusive and volatile behavior. One woman told the New York Times that while Platner never hit her, he could be physically rough, including grabbing her shoulders and, on one occasion, forcefully seizing her wrist following an argument.
