Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is downplaying outrage against Graham Platner, who he is backing in the Democratic Senate primary in Maine, over Platner’s controversial posts on Reddit and a tattoo that resembles a Nazi “totenkopf.

Sen. Bernie Sanders is doubling down on his support for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, saying there might be "one or two more important issues" than the Marine veteran's tattoos. "I'm not overly impressed by a squad of media running around saying,

Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, a newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team’s latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.

Planter, a US veteran and mercenary, has continued to receive support from “progressive” Democrats even after it was revealed he had a Totenkopf, the favored symbol of Hitler’s SS, on his chest for nearly two decades.

Graham Platner's tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol is a test for allies like Bernie Sanders, and a lesson in the risks of first-time political candidates.

Despite recent controversies, Platner has a huge lead in a recent poll and is drawing big crowds, while the two-term governor Mills is counting on her experience and achievements.

Maine senate hopeful Graham Platner’s campaign is facing an increasingly uphill battle as additional past comments by the candidate – who earned Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont’s endorsement – continue to surface.