The White House responded to comments made by Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance regarding Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's military service. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that Walz's record speaks for itself and highlighted his extensive military background.
Walz enlisted at the young age of 17 to serve his country and dedicated 24 years to the Army National Guard. In addition to his military service, Walz has a background as a high school teacher and coach, hailing from a small town in the Midwest. Jean-Pierre refrained from engaging in specific attacks, directing inquiries to the campaign and pointing to Walz's impressive biography as a testament to his character and service.
Sen. Vance escalated his criticism of Walz, accusing him of avoiding deployment to Iraq when he transitioned from the Army National Guard to running for Congress in 2005. These accusations come amidst efforts from both political parties to shape the public perception of Gov. Walz following his selection as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate.
Walz's 24-year military tenure is a key aspect of his background that resonates with voters targeted by the Harris campaign. The ongoing scrutiny of his military record underscores the intense scrutiny and competition surrounding the upcoming election.
