Staff Reports
Donald Trump may have pulled a masterstroke when he selected Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate for 2024, and this week the world caught a glimpse of just how astute that decision could prove to be. Vance, a Marine Corps combat veteran, shines brightly in contrast to the Democratic ticket, particularly after Vice President Kamala Harris introduced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her chosen companion. While Harris tried to lean heavily on Walz’s National Guard credentials to woo patriotic voters, his military service record reveals a different story entirely.
At a rally in Philadelphia, Harris touted Walz’s military background and proclaimed him as “Sgt. Maj. Walz” to the audience. However, the truth lurking behind that title is anything but flattering. Back in 2005, when Walz was ordered to deploy to Iraq with his unit, he made a rather questionable choice: he exited military service. This little tidbit didn’t escape the notice of Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Behrends, who was left behind to lead the deployment that Walz fled from. After serving nearly two years in Iraq, Behrends didn’t mince words; he pointed out that Walz “abandoned” his unit when the real action began. Now, doesn’t that paint a less than heroic picture for the Democrats?
I’ve seen the reports on Tim Walz’s military record and he has some explaining to do. pic.twitter.com/Qo6lhUbS4h
— Rep. Mike Waltz (@michaelgwaltz) August 7, 2024
Vance, armed with his own military experience, took aim at Walz’s dubious record during a campaign event in Michigan. He emphasized the stark contrast between his own commitment to duty when called up to serve and Walz’s apparent reluctance to follow suit. It’s rather galling that Walz would position himself as a brave soldier while dodging a combat zone. Vance made it clear: real service means showing up when your unit needs you, not retreating to the sidelines when everything gets serious.
The U.S. military values courage and honor, qualities that seem to be lost on Walz, according to Vance and other veterans. The senator aimed a sharp jab at the governor’s claims, asking pointedly when Walz ever truly experienced war himself given the fact that he went AWOL just as action was looming. Stealing valor in any form is an affront to those who’ve truly served, and Vance articulated this nicely by questioning Walz’s motives. If only Walz had displayed half the spirit of his fellow veterans, he might have a more respectable narrative.
Alongside Vance, Florida Congressman Michael Waltz, also a combat veteran, echoed the sentiment that Walz’s conduct was shameworthy. Comparing the situation to a star quarterback abandoning their team before the Super Bowl, Waltz suggested that such actions are unprecedented for someone who held a position of leadership within the military. Instead of gaining the relevance Harris and Walz were banking on, this military backdrop is shaping up to be a lingering liability for the Democratic side.
As the campaign pushes forward, it becomes clear that Vance’s decorated military service will not only highlight Walz’s questionable path but also solidify Trump’s choice as wise and well-timed. With a keen eye for the drama of contrasting military records, 2024 is shaping up to be an amusing spectacle filled with a battle of narratives. Instead of media headlines celebrating heroic pasts, a saga of discord within the ranks of the Left is poised to unravel, making every moment of this election season a keen watch for conservatives.
