Vice President Kamala Harris came to the defense of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's military service amid criticism from Republicans, including GOP vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance. The accusations against Walz include embellishing his record and allegedly avoiding service in Iraq.
Harris, speaking to reporters before departing Detroit with Walz, emphasized the importance of honoring those who have chosen to serve the country. She stated, 'Listen, I praise anyone who has presented themselves to serve our country, and I think that we all should.'
On a previous occasion in Michigan, Vance, who is also a veteran, accused Walz of evading service in Iraq by leaving the Army National Guard to run for Congress in 2005. Vance further alleged that Walz falsely claimed to have served in a combat zone.
The exchange between Harris and Vance highlights the ongoing debate surrounding military service records and the scrutiny faced by public figures in relation to their military backgrounds. The differing perspectives on Walz's service history underscore the complexities of evaluating and interpreting individuals' military experiences.