John Oliver Critiques Trump and Vance's Smear Tactics Against Tim Walz

In a recent episode of *Last Week Tonight*, host John Oliver took aim at Donald Trump and JD Vance for their attempts to undermine Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's military service, labeling the "stolen valor" allegations as "thin gruel." Oliver highlighted the Trump campaign's ongoing struggle to divert attention from Kamala Harris and her running mate, suggesting that their smear tactics are failing to resonate with voters. He emphasized that these efforts reveal a lack of substantial content in the Trump campaign's strategy. Oliver specifically addressed the accusations against Walz, who served in the National Guard and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2003, although he did not see combat. The comedian pointed out the absurdity of the claims, noting that Walz retired in 2005 while running for Congress, and his unit was later deployed to Iraq. He dismissed the attacks as desperate and ineffective, underscoring that they reflect a broader issue within the Trump campaign. The late-night host also commented on the backlash faced by Vance after his controversial remarks in 2021, where he referred to Harris and other Democrats as "childless cat ladies." Vance later expressed regret over the media's portrayal of his comments, indicating a recognition of the backlash's impact on his political standing. Overall, Oliver's critique underscores a growing frustration with the Trump campaign's tactics, suggesting that their current approach lacks substance and fails to engage voters meaningfully.