CNN's Brianna Keilar sparked a discussion Thursday on the appropriateness of questioning military service records in the context of the 2024 presidential race, comments that came in response to recent criticism directed at the military service of Sen. JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, and Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential candidate.

Keilar, facing backlash over her own skeptical remarks about Vance, stated that the ongoing attacks on the service records of both candidates are not only disrespectful but also detract from the real issues related to military service and leadership in the presidential campaign, as Breitbart reports.

The anchor's comments on CNN News Central highlighted concerns about how Vance's military background is being portrayed.

She suggested that while Vance's former military title might create certain perceptions, it does not diminish his honorable service in Iraq.

Keilar pointed out that Vance himself has acknowledged in his book that he was "lucky to escape any real fighting," a statement that reflects the realities faced by many service members.

Keilar Criticizes Attacks from Both Political Sides

During the segment, Keilar emphasized that both the Trump campaign's criticism of Gov. Walz and any similar attacks on Vance are harmful.

She described the situation as "swiftboating," a term often used to denote unfair attacks on a veteran's military service. Keilar argued that these attacks from either side of the political spectrum serve to diminish the honorable service of many veterans.

The CNN host made it clear that military service should be viewed as an asset rather than a liability in political discussions. She highlighted that many veterans, including both Vance and Walz, have not seen combat but still played crucial roles in the armed forces.

Keilar stated that the military is composed largely of individuals like Vance and Walz, whose experiences and insights are still valuable.

Maj. Haney Affirms Vance’s Military Record

Adding to the discussion, Maj. Shawn Haney (Ret.), who was responsible for overseeing Vance during his military tenure, defended the senator's record. Maj. Haney affirmed that Vance has not exaggerated or embellished his service, stating that he would be the first to call out any inaccuracies if they existed.

Keilar also addressed the controversy surrounding Gov. Walz’s claims about carrying weapons of war into combat.

She acknowledged that Walz had made such statements but clarified that, in reality, he did not carry these weapons into war. This revelation added another layer to the ongoing debate over how military service is portrayed in political campaigns.

Importance of Veterans in the Presidential Race

Keilar's broader point emphasized the significance of having veterans on the presidential tickets, particularly when considering the role of commander-in-chief.

She noted that both Vance and Walz bring unique perspectives to the table due to their military backgrounds, offering insights into the challenges faced by service members and their families.

In her comments, Keilar reflected on her personal connection to the military, sharing that she is raising two sons who admire their father’s military service. She indicated that the presence of veterans like Vance and Walz on the presidential tickets matters not only to her family but to many others across the country.

Keilar's Call for Respect in Political Discourse

Throughout the segment, Keilar consistently called for respect when discussing military service in the political arena. She argued that the focus should be on the candidates' experiences and contributions, rather than on questioning the validity of their service records.

Keilar suggested that these discussions should elevate the conversation about leadership and the sacrifices made by those in the armed forces.

The controversy surrounding Vance and Walz's military service has sparked a broader debate about the role of veterans in politics. As the presidential race continues, Keilar’s comments serve as a reminder of the importance of honoring and respecting the service of all veterans, regardless of their role or combat experience.