Reporter Dana Bash recently sat with Republican Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance and quizzed him on various issues, including his military record and that of his rival, Kamala Harris’s running mate Tim Walz. Vance had previously attacked Mr. Walz’s record and accused him of “stealing valor.” The Ohio Senator claims that Walz retired after 24 years in the National Guard to avoid deployment to Iraq – something Governor Walz denies, saying he retired from the military to run for a seat in Congress.
Bash asked Mr. Vance about Donald Trump’s avoidance of the Vietnam War when he claimed that bone spurs prevented his service. Senator Vance, who accused Walz of lying about his record, said willingness to tell the truth distinguished Trump from Walz, insisting the former President had been “honest” about his lack of military service.
Vance’s attacks on Walz commenced when a speech emerged online showing the Minnesota Governor addressing gun control and declaring that he had used weapons of war and that such weapons should not be on American streets. Mr. Vance immediately slammed the Governor, saying he had never been to war but avoided it by retiring from the National Guard. Vance told Bash, “I criticize somebody for embellishing their record,” adding that Walz.
The Harris campaign jumped to Walz’s defense and commended him for 24 years of exemplary service to the United States. A statement from the Vice President’s camp said that Walz will continue to fight for veterans and American military families when he becomes the new Vice President in November.
Mr. Vance was also questioned about Kamala Harris’s race amid Donald Trump’s claims that she has only begun identifying as a black woman to win black votes. Ms. Bash bluntly asked Vance, “Do you believe Kamala Harris is black?” He replied, saying she is whatever she says she is, but the central point is that she is a “chameleon” who pretends to be one thing or another, depending on who she is speaking to.
The journalist held the Senator’s feet to the fire and reminded him that he had changed his position on many issues, including, crucially, Donald Trump. Vance admitted he had changed his mind but insisted he was honest with the American public about the transformation and why he altered his stance.
Elsewhere in the interview, Bash asked Vance about his remarks on family and “childless cat ladies.” The Republican did not back down on his assertion that the Democrats are “anti-child” and included the Vice President in that category. Bash clarified, “You think she’s anti-child?” and Vance said she had made “bizarre statements” about children. The Republican’s example was a remark the Vice President apparently made saying she understood people’s reluctance to have children if they are concerned about the planet’s future and climate change.
Ms. Bash continued the theme and asked whether JD Vance considered Harris, or Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg, “childless” when the Vice President is a stepmom and Mr. Buttigieg has two adopted children. “Of course not,” he said. Secretary Buttigieg responded, calling Vance a liar who had insulted large portions of American society.
