Governor Tim Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, took to the stage on Tuesday to address recent controversies surrounding his military record.

The event marked Walz's first solo speech since being named as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate, and it served as an opportunity for the governor to directly respond to criticism from opponents that have threatened to derail his campaign efforts, while reaffirming his pride in his military service, as the Washington Examiner reports.

In his speech, Walz confronted the criticism head-on, particularly addressing the inconsistencies in his military record that have been a focal point of attacks from figures like Donald Trump and J.D. Vance.

One of the primary points of contention is his retirement from the National Guard shortly before his unit was deployed to Afghanistan. Additionally, resurfaced videos have shown Walz inaccurately stating that he carried “weapons of war” during his military service.

Walz Stands Firm Amid Controversy

Walz did not shy away from these controversies. Instead, he expressed pride in his military service and his family’s long history of serving the country.

“With my dad’s encouragement, a guy who served in the Army during the Korean War, I signed up for the Army National Guard two days after my 17th birthday,” Walz shared with the audience. He emphasized that his military experience shaped his path to public service, particularly his decision to run for Congress in 2005, where he served on the Veterans Affairs Committee.

Despite the criticism, Walz remains a critical asset for the Harris campaign, particularly in fundraising. Within 24 hours of announcing Walz as her running mate, the campaign raised over $36 million, adding to the more than $300 million already raised in July.

Democratic operatives have indicated that Walz was chosen to help Harris connect with middle-aged white men in the Midwest, a demographic crucial to the upcoming election.

Attacks from Opponents Escalate

The attacks on Walz’s military record have intensified as the election draws closer. Trump, Vance, and their allies have been vocal in their criticism, with some members of Walz’s former unit, including his commanding officer, accusing him of cowardice.

The criticisms have sparked a mixed reaction, particularly within the veteran community, where opinions on Walz’s service are divided along party lines.

Walz addressed these attacks with a gesture of respect toward his opponent, Vance.

“I firmly believe you should never degenerate another person’s service record. To anyone brave enough to put on that uniform for our great country, including my opponent, I just have a few simple words: Thank you for your service and sacrifice,” Walz stated, reaffirming his pride in his own service.

Veterans and Military Families Rally Behind Walz

The criticism of Walz has not gone unanswered. Over 1,000 veterans and military families signed an open letter condemning the attacks on Walz’s military record.

The letter also criticized Vance’s remarks, labeling them as “disrespectful and deeply disappointing,” especially given Vance’s own service. The letter’s signatories expressed their appreciation for Walz’s service and his role as a champion for veterans during his time in Congress.

Despite the controversy, Walz continues to move forward with his campaign duties. He is set to embark on a fundraising tour over the next three days, visiting key states including California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island. The Harris campaign remains confident that Walz’s presence on the ticket will bolster their appeal in critical swing states, particularly in the Midwest.

Walz’s Political Future at Stake

As the election approaches, the relationship between Walz and Vance is expected to become increasingly contentious. Both candidates have their records scrutinized, and the stakes are high for the Harris-Walz ticket. The controversy surrounding Walz’s military service has placed him in the spotlight, and how he navigates this criticism could have significant implications for his political future.

In conclusion, Gov. Tim Walz’s first solo speech as vice presidential nominee served as a platform for him to confront the controversies surrounding his military record. Despite the criticisms from his opponents, Walz remains proud of his service and continues to play a crucial role in the Harris campaign’s efforts to connect with key voter demographics.

As the election draws nearer, the scrutiny on Walz’s record is likely to intensify, making his response to these challenges all the more critical.