Criticism of Minnesota Governor's Response

Democratic lawmakers and military veterans are defending Minnesota Governor Tim Walz against Republican accusations regarding his military service and response to the George Floyd protests. GOP figures, including Senator JD Vance, have claimed that Walz, a 24-year National Guard veteran, abandoned his unit during its deployment to Iraq. However, Rep. Jake Auchinschloss refuted these claims, noting that Walz retired months before his unit's deployment notification, emphasizing that unfounded attacks on military service should be challenged. The criticism of Walz's military record has been met with anger from veterans supporting his campaign. They argue that all military service is commendable, regardless of combat experience. Walz has clarified his service, stating he did not deploy to Iraq but participated in support operations in Europe. The GOP's focus on his language regarding weapons of war has been criticized as misleading, especially given the context of his overall service. In addition to military service, Walz faces renewed scrutiny over his handling of the protests following George Floyd's murder in 2020. Critics, including State Senator Warren Limmer, argue that he delayed deploying the National Guard, exacerbating the unrest. However, Walz has defended his actions, stating that he acted in good faith during unprecedented circumstances. Notably, former President Trump had previously praised Walz's response during the crisis, complicating the GOP's narrative. As Walz joins Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign, the political landscape continues to shift, with both parties leveraging past events to shape their narratives ahead of the upcoming elections.