After facing backlash, CNN anchor Brianna Keilar has retracted her comments suggesting that Senator JD Vance embellished his military service, affirming that he "served honorably" in Iraq.
CNN anchor Brianna Keilar has backtracked on her previous comments implying that Senator JD Vance, R-Ohio, exaggerated his military service. Following intense criticism, Keilar stated that Vance had "served honorably" in Iraq, a combat zone where "anything can happen and frequently does."
Keilar's initial remarks on Friday drew a sharp rebuke from Vance, who accused CNN of "disgusting" behavior. Vance asserted that he had always been truthful about his Marine Corps service, which included deployment to a combat zone.
CNN Anchor Reverses Course, Acknowledges JD Vance's "Honorable" Military Service
In her revised statement, Keilar acknowledged that Vance had not explicitly claimed to have engaged in combat himself. She emphasized that "military service should not be a liability" and that "many service members haven't seen combat, but that doesn't make them or their service less admirable."
Keilar expressed admiration for the "unique insight" provided by the two veterans running on this year's presidential tickets and stressed the importance of having someone at the table who understands the sacrifices and challenges faced by military personnel.
CNN Anchor Reverses Course, Acknowledges JD Vance's "Honorable" Military Service
The controversy surrounding Vance's military service arose amid scrutiny of the military record of Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential candidate. Walz, who served in the Minnesota National Guard, has been accused of misrepresenting his experience and prematurely retiring from the military to avoid deployment to Iraq.
Walz has maintained that he served as a "command sergeant major" and carried weapons in a war zone, but critics have questioned the accuracy of these claims. A CNN fact-check concluded that there was "no evidence" Walz was ever "in a position of being shot at."
CNN Anchor Reverses Course, Acknowledges JD Vance's "Honorable" Military Service
The Minnesota Guard confirmed that Walz had retired as a Master Sergeant, not as a Command Sergeant Major. He reportedly declined to complete additional coursework at the US Army Sergeants Major Academy, which would have allowed him to retain his higher rank.
Keilar's acknowledgment of Vance's honorable service stands in contrast to her previous doubts about his combat experience. This has led to accusations of double standards in the treatment of Republican and Democratic candidates.
CNN Anchor Reverses Course, Acknowledges JD Vance's "Honorable" Military Service
Vance has accused Walz of "lying" about his military service, while veteran critics have alleged that Walz "ditched" his soldiers before they deployed to Iraq. The Harris campaign has defended Walz's record, but the controversy has continued to cast a shadow over his candidacy.
Keilar's reversal and the ongoing scrutiny of Walz's military service highlight the importance of military experience in political campaigns. Candidates with a military background are often seen as more credible on issues of national security and foreign policy.
The presence of two veterans on the presidential tickets this year has brought increased attention to the challenges faced by service members and their families. Keilar emphasized the need for candidates to have a personal understanding of the risks and sacrifices involved in military service.
As the presidential race progresses, the military records of both Vance and Walz are likely to remain under scrutiny, as voters consider their qualifications for the role of commander-in-chief.
