Jesse Ventura Criticizes JD Vance's Comments on Tim Walz

Former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura has publicly criticized Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance for his attacks on Tim Walz's military service, labeling them as “despicable.” In an interview with CNN, Ventura, a US Navy veteran, emphasized that Vance, a Marine Corps veteran himself, is failing to show the respect that is expected among service members. Ventura stated, “You don’t criticize another veteran,” highlighting an unwritten code among veterans that discourages such attacks. The scrutiny surrounding Walz's military record intensified following his confirmation as Kamala Harris' running mate. Allegations have emerged suggesting that Walz exaggerated his combat experience and faced accusations of cowardice for retiring in 2005 rather than deploying to Iraq. Ventura defended Walz, asserting that the value of a veteran's service should not be judged by their combat proximity, stating, “Whether they’re a cook or whatever they do, they all have a job to do.” Ventura, who has endorsed Harris for president, also expressed his disapproval of Vance's support for Donald Trump, whom he accused of being a significant draft dodger during the Vietnam War. Meanwhile, Vance's campaign has intensified its criticism of Walz, with a spokesman alleging that Walz abandoned his unit to pursue a congressional run, which they claim is an insult to veterans who serve in combat zones. As the political landscape heats up, the exchange between Vance and Ventura underscores the contentious nature of military service narratives in the current election cycle.