Tim Walz seems to have published a post on Friday that he might already be regretting. “All Donald Trump and JD Vance know about manufacturing is how to manufacture bulls***,” Walz boldly claimed after using this zinger at a rally. However, Chuck Ross from the Washington Free Beacon swiftly dismantled Walz’s entire premise, pointing out, “Walz admitted he lied about being at Tiananmen Square during the massacre, and that he did not actually carry guns ‘in war,’ and that he did not actually conceive his kids through IVF, and that he actually was drinking when he was pulled over for DUI.”
Walz admitted he lied about being at Tiananmen Square during the massacre, and that he did not actually carry guns “in war,” and that he did not actually conceive his kids through IVF, and that he actually was drinking when he was pulled over for DUI https://t.co/EFrctaiDmS
— Chuck Ross (@ChuckRossDC) October 11, 2024
Ross highlights Walz’s growing reputation for fabricating stories, a reputation that has caught the attention of National Guard veterans—those who served alongside him before he embarked on his political career. Some of his former platoonmates have even labeled him an “impersonator,” as reported by Newsweek. It makes you wonder—how does a politician with such a dubious history dare to throw stones?
It’s no secret that politicians often exaggerate their experiences and accomplishments in order to appeal to voters. However, with the rise of social media and fact-checking journalism, these fabrications are becoming harder to hide.
But why do politicians like Walz feel the need to embellish their stories? The answer lies in our society’s obsession with perfection and success. In an effort to appear more relatable and successful, politicians may feel pressured to create a narrative that portrays them as larger than life.
However, this pressure can have damaging effects not only on individual politicians but also on our political system as a whole. When authenticity takes a backseat to self-promotion, it becomes difficult for voters to trust and hold accountable those in positions of power.
During a Monday interview with Megyn Kelly, four National Guard veterans who served alongside Walz—Tom Behrends, Paul Herr, Tom Schilling, and Rodney Tow—didn’t hold back in their criticism of the governor’s previous statements about his service. In a lengthy hour-long discussion, when Kelly probed Behrends about Walz’s rank and “how does it make you feel,” Behrends wasted no time, labeling the governor a “military impersonator.” It’s hard not to wonder how someone can claim to serve with honor while others call out the façade.
“You know this guy is a military impersonator with that…like you said he’s a retired command sergeant major, he said it so many times that it just makes a person sick hearing. Yeah the state of Minnesota said he can say he served as a command sergeant major, which he has never said ‘I served as a command sergeant major’, he blabs that he is a retired one,” Behrends commented. Later in the interview, Herr didn’t hold back, labeling Walz a “habitual liar” and adding that “he lies about everything.” Isn’t it fascinating how some politicians seem to think the truth is optional? “He lies about stuff that doesn’t even make sense.”
“We have stolen valor [because] people make decisions that are cowardly, and they come back and they try to live vicariously by robbing…all the other soldiers of all the benefits…and all the sacrifices,” Herr pressed on in conversation with Kelly, refusing to back down or sugarcoat his views.
“Walz, who served with the Minnesota National Guard from 1981 to 2005, was sent overseas only once and not in a direct combat role. He then did not deploy to Iraq in 2005 as he decided to leave the Guard to pursue his political career,” the report said.
This raises serious questions about Walz’s integrity and credibility as a politician. Can we trust someone who has a history of exaggerating or fabricating stories to be honest in their political actions and decisions? Shouldn’t our leaders be held to a higher standard when it comes to telling the truth? I think that the answer is obvious.