Walz ‘misspoke’ about managing weapons ‘in war’

The campaign for Vice President Kamala Harris has responded to critiques regarding Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s military background. The spokesperson for the Harris-Walz campaign stated that Walz “misspoke” in a video advocating for gun control. During the video, Walz mentioned that he used combat weapons while serving in the National Guard.

The spokesperson emphasized that Governor Walz respects the service of all military personnel, specifically thanking Senator J.D. Vance for his contributions while in the Marines. The statement asserted that Walz intends to advocate against the presence of military-grade weapons in civilian life.

In the video, Walz said, “We can make sure those weapons of war, that I carried in war, are only carried in war.” This assertion has sparked significant backlash from his opponents, particularly on the right.

Senator Vance has been vocal about questioning Walz’s military record, accusing him of “stolen valor.” Vance pointed out that Walz left the National Guard before being deployed to Iraq, which he claims undermines Walz’s credibility in discussing military service.

During a campaign event in Michigan, Vance stated, “I wonder, Tim Walz, when were you ever in war? He has not spent a day in a combat zone … I’d be ashamed if I was him and I lied about my military service like he did.” The contention over military service has fueled a wider debate regarding the integrity of political figures and their claims about their pasts.

Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who served in the Trump administration, has also weighed in, urging Walz to clarify his military history. While he noted that some of the criticisms against Walz lacked merit, he suggested that the governor should address the situation directly.

Esper commented, “The fact that it’s been going on for a few days now in my view, means that he should just get out, speak to the issues.” His remarks came just prior to the campaign issuing its rebuttal to Vance’s accusations.

Walz and Vance are both veterans on their respective national tickets, marking a rare occurrence in recent political history. However, neither candidate has participated in a combat mission, which some critics have used to question their military credentials.

Despite the criticisms, Walz has garnered support from various figures, including former Congressman Adam Kinzinger, an Air Force veteran. Kinzinger defended Walz by pointing out that the governor served for 25 years in the National Guard—five years beyond his eligibility to retire—and noted that this commitment was commendable.

“This is the insane thing. Every month thousands of people retire,” Kinzinger remarked on social media. “The fact that Walz did 25 years, 5 OVER retirement eligibility, and 4 years after 9/11, is honorable.” He emphasized that many service members choose to leave after fulfilling their duty, even when further deployments are possible.

Representative Mikie Sherrill, a Navy veteran, also defended Walz’s record, comparing the attacks against him to the infamous Swift Boat campaign against Senator John Kerry during the 2004 presidential election. Sherrill condemned the political tactics being used to discredit Walz, stating, “It’s reminiscent of the Swift Boat bulls‑‑‑ that Sen. Kerry faced in his election.”

As the political landscape evolves, the conversation surrounding military service and its implications for political trust continues to be a focal point in the current campaign. Many believe that such attacks on a candidate’s military past reflect broader issues regarding how service members are viewed in the political realm.