Tim Walz takes back his comment about using weapons 'in war', claims he ‘misspoke’ in old video
WASHINGTON, DC: Kamala Harris and Tim Walz’s campaign has reportedly withdrawn a statement made by the Governor of Minnesota about his handling of weapons "in war”.
In 2018, Walz wrongly claimed, “We can research the impacts of gun violence. We can make sure those weapons of war, that I carried in war, are only carried in war,” as reported by The New York Post.
Gov. @Tim_Walz: I spent 25 years in the Army and I hunt. I’ve been voting for common sense legislation that protects the Second Amendment, but we can do background checks. We can research the impacts of gun violence. We can make sure those weapons of war, that I carried in war,… pic.twitter.com/3IVaXi2RP2
— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) August 6, 2024
Tim Walz called out by his critics
But soon his critics pointed out that the 60-year-old retired National Guard serviceman had never been to a combat area.
CNN’s Jake Foreman reportedly said, “Walz did make a comment speaking to a group, he’s done it a couple of times, where he has used language that has suggested that he carried weapons in a fighting situation.”
“I know from coming from a military family there is a difference between being in a combat area, being involved at a time of war, and actually being in a position where people are shooting at you,” Foreman mentioned.
Also, Donald Trump's VP pick JD Vance added, “He said we shouldn’t allow weapons that I used in war to be on America’s streets. Well, I wonder. Tim Walz, when were you ever in war? What bothers me about Tim Walz is the stolen valor garbage. Do not pretend to be something that you’re not.”
Harris campaign spokesperson claims Walz ‘would never insult any American’s service’
Following the backlash, the Harris campaign spokesperson Ammar Moussa said, as per NBC News, “Governor Walz would never insult or undermine any American’s service to this country — in fact, he thanks Senator Vance for putting his life on the line for our country. It’s the American way.”
He continued, “In making the case for why weapons of war should never be on our streets or in our classrooms, the Governor misspoke.
“He did handle weapons of war and believes strongly that only military members trained to carry those deadly weapons should have access to them, unlike Donald Trump and JD Vance who prioritize the gun lobby over our children.”
Netizens say Tim Walz ‘lied’
Meanwhile, people have shared mixed reactions online to the latest developments.
“Walk forward. Tired of all the chit-chat about this,” an X user wrote.
The second user tweeted, “He used weapons of war while stationed in a military base. He did not use them in combat though. But trained other military in the use of those weapons. Anyway, he was still the best marksman in Congress.”
He used weapons of war while stationed in a military base. He did not use them in combat though. But trained other military in the use of those weapons. Anyway, he was still the best marksman in congress. 🤷♂️
— Release the Delegates 🥥🌴 (@joepassthetorch) August 10, 2024
“He said ‘carried’ not ‘used’. But good to clarify. As the attacks are stupid, misleading & distract from the big picture issue - our kids being mass slaughtered & terrorized by assault weapon attacks,” the third user commented.
He said "carried" not "used"
— Blue Bee (@Blue_Bee_pllntr) August 10, 2024
But good to clarify. As the attacks are stupid, misleading & distract form the big picture issue - our kids being mass slaughtered & terrorized by assault weapon attacks.
The fourth user stated, “Misspoke is just a pleasant way of saying he lied and got caught.”
Misspoke is just a pleasant way of saying he lied and got caught.
— Christopher Thorpe (@ThorpeChris007) August 10, 2024
The left likes to rework language.
— TheFoundersWeep (@TheFoundersWeep) August 10, 2024
“Reproductive rights” means ‘murdering the unborn’.
In this case “misspoke” means ‘boldface lied’.
The fifth user added, “The left likes to rework language. ‘Reproductive rights’ means ‘murdering the unborn’. In this case ‘misspoke’ means ‘boldface lied’.”
Ahhhh, the famous "misspoke" excuse! That's called a lie. That's called misrepresentation. That's called an untruth, a fabrication, a deception, etc.
— Kate Sullivan (@sulliv50474) August 10, 2024
“Ahhhh, the famous "misspoke" excuse! That's called a lie. That's called misrepresentation. That's called an untruth, a fabrication, a deception, etc,” a tweet read.
Is Walz going to walk back all of the dozen (or more?) times he engaged in Stolen Valor?
— Equihopper 🇺🇸 (@IllegalCluster) August 10, 2024
That's a half assed apology for the first instance.
If I made such a mistake, I'd have done a much better job asking forgiveness -- because I know our combat veterans deserve better.
Another tweet was “Is Walz going to walk back all of the dozen (or more?) times he engaged in Stolen Valor? That's a half assed apology for the first instance. If I made such a mistake, I'd have done a much better job asking forgiveness -- because I know our combat veterans deserve better.”
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