Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly recently spoke at a campaign rally for Vice President Kamala Harris in Glendale, Arizona, where he defended Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's record of military service. Kelly, a retired Navy pilot and astronaut, praised Walz's years of service in the Minnesota Army National Guard, highlighting how Walz's military experience has positively influenced his work in politics.
Kelly commended Walz for his dedication to supporting service members, veterans, and military families, emphasizing the value of Walz's military background in shaping his political endeavors.
During his speech, Kelly took aim at former President Donald Trump, accusing him of showing disrespect towards military service members. Kelly referenced past reports alleging that Trump had made derogatory remarks about members of the military, labeling them as 'suckers and losers.' Kelly emphasized that in Arizona, individuals are appreciated and thanked for their service to the country, rather than being attacked.
Notably, Kelly did not mention his own past consideration as a potential running mate for Vice President Harris. Instead, he focused on endorsing Harris as a capable leader for the nation's future, highlighting her commitments to issues such as reducing child care costs, protecting reproductive rights, and addressing gun violence.
At the rally, Kelly's wife, former Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords, who survived a shooting in 2011, also shared her perspective on the importance of perseverance and collective action in driving meaningful change. Giffords emphasized that progress takes time and urged unity in moving forward together towards a better future.
The event underscored the intersection of military service, political leadership, and advocacy for social issues, with Kelly and Giffords offering a message of unity and resilience in the face of challenges.
