Does a presidential candidate’s military service still matter to US voters?
Al Jazeera
Experts say that fewer veterans have won the White House in recent years — but a military record can still curry favour.
Los Angeles, California – The criticism came almost as soon as Tim Walz joined the Democratic presidential ticket: Did the Minnesota governor exaggerate his military record for political gain?
That was the line of attack Republicans zeroed in on. Just one day after Walz became the running mate of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, Republicans were on the offensive, questioning his 24 years of National Guard service.
“I wonder, Tim Walz, when were you ever in war?” JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential pick, asked at a campaign stop on August 7. He proceeded to falsely accuse Walz of abandoning his unit on the eve of combat.
“What bothers me about Tim Walz is the stolen valour garbage. Do not pretend to be something that you’re not.”
But while Republicans continue to denounce Walz, experts say the importance of military service may be waning — at least, as far as rallying voters goes.
