Full disclosure - closer to Kate than Will. Still, the enemy of my enemy is my friend coming from someone who voted for Nixon but could not go with Reagan.
Remember to vote, encourage others to do likewise, and wave as you fly over the Christian nationalist Oklahoma swamp.
Wow, Will! I wish you would tell us how you really feel!😉
Apologies, but I’m in Kate’s camp on this one. I liked how Walz presented yesterday, and I am on board with the Happy Warrior vibe. There were good choices on every level of that decision- and I expect amazing things from Josh Shapiro in the future.
I am a Shapiro supporter and wanted him to be elevated because he is a once in a generation talent in my view. I think the anti-Israel left influenced the decision somewhat but ultimately Kamala is more similar to Walz politically and that’s why she chose him. Shapiro is also too big of a star to be number 2 and that likely factored into her decision.
I too want a conservative party that argues for policies that are reasonable. Unfortunately the way things are going, it will take decades of annihilation at the polls before possible reforms can take place. In the meantime, I will vote for Harris-Walz enthusiastically. Democracy must survive for one more day or all will be lost.
Megyn Kelly is joined by veteran Tom Behrends to discuss his personal military experience serving with VP pick Gov. Tim Walz in the National Guard, the controversy over Walz leaving the military rather than serving in Iraq, questions of leadership that it shows, whether Walz is a traitor and deserted the men in his unit, and more.
Is It "Stolen Valor" For VP Pick Tim Walz To Say He Was "In War"? Vet Who Served With Walz Responds
Megyn Kelly is joined by veteran Tom Behrends to discuss if the controversy VP pick Tim Walz' comments about being "in war" could be considered “stolen valor,” the way he describes himself and has other describe him related to military service, and more.
I've already seen it on my Twitter feed. I'm tracking it, Steve. You have my word, though I'm more curious if he actually ducked out of a deployment. The whole rank thing, I could care less, b/c I swam in lanes where ranks wasn't important and so I don't care. Regardless, if he actually ducked out of a deployment -- that's a fucking problem.
Will, I completely understand why rank doesn't matter in the lanes in which you swam/swum (I'm never sure which to use... English is hard😊). Let's call it the deep end of the pool...you know, where the cool kids hang out. However, 95% of the military swims in the shallow end where rank is imperative for good order and discipline. Additionally, I would venture to guess, the majority of civilians who don't understand military structure, ranks, and authorities would gather the title of "Command Sergeant Major" (CSM) is of more more importance/responsibility than "Master Sergeant." Walz did not complete the work to advance into the CSM lane, yet he continues to project himself as amongst the most advanced swimmers in the shallow end. Thus misleading those who do and/or do not understand the importance of rank structure. His willingness to blatantly misinform voters and falsely place himself amongst those Service men and women who did EARN the title of the highest enlisted rank, leaves me questioning his commitment to and future support of the military. Does he truly respect Service and the sacrifices made?
I have the same questions/concerns surrounding his use of "combat veteran."
Doubling down rather than admitting and apologizing for these "mistakes" tells me all I need to know...
I agree with everything you said. I don't think the CSM thing is as big of a deal. Is it wrong? Yes. Should he stop doing it? Yes. But, seriously, I could start naming GOP reps who've done the same thing, but the GOP hasn't said shit. Doesn't make it right? No. Walz will have his record scrutinized & Democrats who don't like it should realize one thing: politics ain't beanbag.
I’m sorry your beliefs regarding antisemitism are blinding you to the fact that Walz actually is the best candidate for this moment. I was totally for mark kelly but I can see Walz is the better candidate at this time.
Also, I know you’ve been through a lot of hellish experiences so I’m also sad/surprised that you have space in your heart for ‘hatred’ of Kamala Harris who seems a benign figure compared to so many truly evil people out there.
I don't hate Kamala Harris. I can't stand her. Please understand that the Biden-Harris administration abandoned my Afghan allies on the battlefield. So, to be very honest with you, I have every reason to hate her. But I don't. I can't stand her.
I'm both a Democrat and a Midwesterner. Tim Walz is a very familiar progressive to me. In many states, including mine (Ohio), Democrats can't get away with retreating into the safe-for-them combat zone of fighting the culture wars, as my supermajority Republican Statehouse spends most of its time doing.
Progressive Democrats in the Midwest have to show up and and show they know how to solve the problems that *really* matter to the people who live in the state they represent. There's a reason Democrat Sherrod Brown has continued to be re-elected in a state that has increasingly voted Republican -- he shows up, especially in the working class places like he grew up in. He gets shit done.
Because he reminds me in many ways of Brown, Tim Walz is familiar to me. The Midwest is used to being taken for granted by the rest of the country when not being ridiculed. While we occasionally grumble about it, there's not much we can do about other people so we roll up our sleeves and go back to work within our communities. I'm not saying other regions don't have a strong communal tradition but it's especially pronounced in the Midwest.
Midwest progressivism is both pragmatic and communitarian. I don't think many elite media or the commentariat entirely get this (nor did Cori Bush), and I'm hoping Walz's selection will help correct this.
I would have been happy with Josh Shapiro as #2 but to a Midwesterner, someone who hails from Philly's suburbs is an Easterner. Western PA more closely aligns with the Midwest. In this behind the scenes look at the process (https://bit.ly/3WTqk2C), it seems like Shapiro was less certain about taking the position. He's younger and has bigger ambitions than Tim Walz, and I believe he's got a bright future ahead of him.
Time will tell but I think Tim Wal will prove to be an effective and reliable partner who will at the very least get some people not inclined to vote for a Democrat to at listen.
I hope the Dems win. I'm probably going to vote for them. I hope he's a great pick and that he's a dynamite VP. I certainly would rather have them than the other two. I'm just not going to be jumping up and down doing cartwheels because I'm not a progressive---at all. But, this is America, so ya know, it's not that big a deal. Tomorrow, we all get to go outside and live peacefully. I don't remember politics being so dispiriting. What happened over the last 20 years?
If Biden had stayed in after his debate showed he could not stand up strongly to Trump under pressure, I would have asked Lincoln Project and Bulwark folks to run Liz Cheney and Adam! But I'm thrilled with KH and TW - the most authentic and best of Dems, for those of us you like Dems when they go Matthew 25.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I can’t be as certain that antisemitism is the reason Shapiro was passed over, but the possibility that this could be the case needs to be extinguished in at least one party. Maybe we learn more about this selection in time. Your points on what is/not a weapon of war relative to gun safety made question the frame. Would a better frame for drawing lines on what weapons we want to allow and where in society be some measure of the potential damage a weapon can do over a given space and time? A knife could eventually do a lot of damage, but it will take time, and range is limited. Even knives get confiscated going into some crowded spaces and I accept it. You can choose to keep your knife, but you will miss going in to see your favorite band.
I am sorry that you and so many have been betrayed by this country. I read your posts to better understand where you are coming from, and your drive to continue to improve and protect this country and other communities that want to self govern.
On the weapons question, I was pointing out that some lines have to be drawn, some are already drawn. We can’t have people running around with grenades, or school shooters upgrading to mortar attacks. Likely you don’t have every weapon with every capability you would have had in combat. Would you be in favor of loosening rules on weapons? Which ones? Society changes, weapons change, technology changes and over time the rules that govern them will need to change. We should have some guiding principles on how we do that.
Bro, I didn’t say that to cause you to feel bad. It’s a genuine question that you need to answer.
Here’s always my question to people who understandably feel “gun violence” is too high so they want to restrict guns.
How do you plan to tell American combat veterans they’re no longer able to carry a gun. The very people who were blown up for the last 20 years?
What’s your pitch to them?
Bc if you think most of my friends will heed societies attempt at constraining their ability to purchase an AR-15–then you should get ready for a problem.
I’ll be honest, even if you passed an AR-15 ban, I would keep mine and make you take it from me.
4 years ago Trump tried to steal the election.
Now you want me to restrict my ability to protect myself should he actually win the election?
We’re good, you didn’t make me feel bad. I’m open to the discussion.
Maybe veterans should be allowed to keep their AR-15s. Veterans have had training, are professionals, and understand the consequences of using their weapons. There could be more permissive rules for veterans based on their service. There should be extra resources and privileges for veterans in good standing. Non-veterans could have more restrictive rules or require training for certain weapons certifications.
What does good standing mean? Let me ask a question: Should I have an AR-15? I voluntarily admitted myself to a mental hospital last year. Can I have a weapon?
I did read that a while back, and voluntary seeking help is a good, and you are courageous to talk about it. I think you do a great service to others who may need help. I hope you got some useful tools from that experience.
For each suggestion there is gotcha in this conversation on this path. Here is the question I am trying to understand from you on this and what the second amendment means to you. Does it mean no conditions on any weapons any time, any place, for anybody? Or would you have some conditions, and what would that look like to you?
A very progressive friend told me why she didn't support Shapiro: "Zionism and sexual assault." Huh? I think Shapiro's positions vis-a-vis Israel are a lot like many American's; he supports Israel's existence, believes Israel has a right to defend itself, and hopes for a two-state solution. Do I have that right? But sexual assault? So I dug around a bit. Evidently a person who works for Shapiro (not Shapiro) was accused of some kind of verbal improprieties (not assault); Shapiro let him go and the administration settled with the alleged victim. My progressive friend somehow has connected Shapiro to sexual assault. (No, she isn't stupid, Ph.D. from Yale.) Misinformation from...the Trump campaign? Plus far-left (anti-Semetic?) progressives? I have heard something to this effect. I do not like to spread rumors and I cannot swear that this is true but apparently the Trump campaign was a lot more afraid of V.P. pick Shapiro than they are of V.P. pick Walz. Maybe they had a reason. Sure hope they are wrong and Walz can kick a**.
I got into this with some of my friends (mid 20s) yesterday since I was bigger on Shapiro than Walz, but nobody cares about Israel Palestine (1)! If the primary goal is beating Trump it's obvious Shapiro should have gotten the nod. Plus if VPs are potential future presidents, Joe Biden but 20 years younger sounds a lot like ... Biden sixteen years ago.
It was reported by Marc Caputo that there was a whisper campaign coming from Team Trump . I don’t think it made a real difference in the decision but the fact Trump people being scared of Josh proved that he was a compelling pick.
I read the sexual harassment settlement relating to Shapiro’s aid. The people already hate Josh were drawing similarities to Trump’s hush money settlements. Those who acknowledged it was a staff and not him said it was still his fault for looking the other way. That purity test on him was not only ridiculous but very malicious.
Mr.Selber, I felt wounded after reading this piece. I think it was your hard dismissal of the democrate
party. I'm sure you have your good reasons for your opinion, having to do with your family and personal experiences. I loosely identify as democrate, due to my personal family history going back to my grandparents who immigrated from Northern Italy. It's an interesting story which I won't go into here. I've been pondering my emotional response for awhile and it led me to an organization called the Institute of Islamic, Christian and Jewish Studies where I listened to an interview with Michael Manekin. It brought me a sense of balance. I wish you well and continue to read your writings. I find you. to be an interesting and complicated person. I like that Marcia Valesano Hammerbeck
Full disclosure - closer to Kate than Will. Still, the enemy of my enemy is my friend coming from someone who voted for Nixon but could not go with Reagan.
Remember to vote, encourage others to do likewise, and wave as you fly over the Christian nationalist Oklahoma swamp.
Wow, Will! I wish you would tell us how you really feel!😉
Apologies, but I’m in Kate’s camp on this one. I liked how Walz presented yesterday, and I am on board with the Happy Warrior vibe. There were good choices on every level of that decision- and I expect amazing things from Josh Shapiro in the future.
I feel so informed hearing two different unique brains share their thoughts! Love this format‼️
I am a Shapiro supporter and wanted him to be elevated because he is a once in a generation talent in my view. I think the anti-Israel left influenced the decision somewhat but ultimately Kamala is more similar to Walz politically and that’s why she chose him. Shapiro is also too big of a star to be number 2 and that likely factored into her decision.
I too want a conservative party that argues for policies that are reasonable. Unfortunately the way things are going, it will take decades of annihilation at the polls before possible reforms can take place. In the meantime, I will vote for Harris-Walz enthusiastically. Democracy must survive for one more day or all will be lost.
Will, I'm going to give you an honest rewrite of your father's advice:
“Son, MOST PEOPLE will love you, right up until you’re an inconvenience.”
I think that 95% of the people who have walked this earth have found this to be a natural fact.
Touche, ma'am.
Military Vet on How VP Pick Tim Walz Abandoned Fellow National Guard Members When They Got Deployed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRLiQNR4Yrc
Aug 7, 2024
Megyn Kelly is joined by veteran Tom Behrends to discuss his personal military experience serving with VP pick Gov. Tim Walz in the National Guard, the controversy over Walz leaving the military rather than serving in Iraq, questions of leadership that it shows, whether Walz is a traitor and deserted the men in his unit, and more.
Is It "Stolen Valor" For VP Pick Tim Walz To Say He Was "In War"? Vet Who Served With Walz Responds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbtpNfehjYg
Aug 7, 2024
Megyn Kelly is joined by veteran Tom Behrends to discuss if the controversy VP pick Tim Walz' comments about being "in war" could be considered “stolen valor,” the way he describes himself and has other describe him related to military service, and more.
I've seen this. I'm going to do a deep dive into it. I'm not dismissing this claim.
This story has been around here for years (From Alpha News)
Fellow veteran speaks out on Walz’s misleading statements about military record
https://alphanews.org/fellow-veteran-speaks-out-on-walzs-misleading-statements-about-military-record/
EXCLUSIVE: Second military whistleblower calls Gov. Walz ‘habitual liar’
https://alphanews.org/exclusive-second-military-whistleblower-calls-gov-walz-habitual-liar/
Former National Guardsmen: Tim Walz Is Misleading The Public About His Time In Service
https://alphanews.org/former-national-guardsmen-tim-walz-is-misleading-the-public-about-his-time-in-service/
I've already seen it on my Twitter feed. I'm tracking it, Steve. You have my word, though I'm more curious if he actually ducked out of a deployment. The whole rank thing, I could care less, b/c I swam in lanes where ranks wasn't important and so I don't care. Regardless, if he actually ducked out of a deployment -- that's a fucking problem.
Will, I completely understand why rank doesn't matter in the lanes in which you swam/swum (I'm never sure which to use... English is hard😊). Let's call it the deep end of the pool...you know, where the cool kids hang out. However, 95% of the military swims in the shallow end where rank is imperative for good order and discipline. Additionally, I would venture to guess, the majority of civilians who don't understand military structure, ranks, and authorities would gather the title of "Command Sergeant Major" (CSM) is of more more importance/responsibility than "Master Sergeant." Walz did not complete the work to advance into the CSM lane, yet he continues to project himself as amongst the most advanced swimmers in the shallow end. Thus misleading those who do and/or do not understand the importance of rank structure. His willingness to blatantly misinform voters and falsely place himself amongst those Service men and women who did EARN the title of the highest enlisted rank, leaves me questioning his commitment to and future support of the military. Does he truly respect Service and the sacrifices made?
I have the same questions/concerns surrounding his use of "combat veteran."
Doubling down rather than admitting and apologizing for these "mistakes" tells me all I need to know...
I agree with everything you said. I don't think the CSM thing is as big of a deal. Is it wrong? Yes. Should he stop doing it? Yes. But, seriously, I could start naming GOP reps who've done the same thing, but the GOP hasn't said shit. Doesn't make it right? No. Walz will have his record scrutinized & Democrats who don't like it should realize one thing: politics ain't beanbag.
Will, completely agree. Since it's a current talking point, it seems like it would be a "quick win" for him to address it and move on.
No way I go up against you in a debate!
I’ve really appreciated your writing, until now.
I’m sorry your beliefs regarding antisemitism are blinding you to the fact that Walz actually is the best candidate for this moment. I was totally for mark kelly but I can see Walz is the better candidate at this time.
Also, I know you’ve been through a lot of hellish experiences so I’m also sad/surprised that you have space in your heart for ‘hatred’ of Kamala Harris who seems a benign figure compared to so many truly evil people out there.
Wishing you peace of mind🙏
I don't hate Kamala Harris. I can't stand her. Please understand that the Biden-Harris administration abandoned my Afghan allies on the battlefield. So, to be very honest with you, I have every reason to hate her. But I don't. I can't stand her.
I'm both a Democrat and a Midwesterner. Tim Walz is a very familiar progressive to me. In many states, including mine (Ohio), Democrats can't get away with retreating into the safe-for-them combat zone of fighting the culture wars, as my supermajority Republican Statehouse spends most of its time doing.
Progressive Democrats in the Midwest have to show up and and show they know how to solve the problems that *really* matter to the people who live in the state they represent. There's a reason Democrat Sherrod Brown has continued to be re-elected in a state that has increasingly voted Republican -- he shows up, especially in the working class places like he grew up in. He gets shit done.
Because he reminds me in many ways of Brown, Tim Walz is familiar to me. The Midwest is used to being taken for granted by the rest of the country when not being ridiculed. While we occasionally grumble about it, there's not much we can do about other people so we roll up our sleeves and go back to work within our communities. I'm not saying other regions don't have a strong communal tradition but it's especially pronounced in the Midwest.
Midwest progressivism is both pragmatic and communitarian. I don't think many elite media or the commentariat entirely get this (nor did Cori Bush), and I'm hoping Walz's selection will help correct this.
I would have been happy with Josh Shapiro as #2 but to a Midwesterner, someone who hails from Philly's suburbs is an Easterner. Western PA more closely aligns with the Midwest. In this behind the scenes look at the process (https://bit.ly/3WTqk2C), it seems like Shapiro was less certain about taking the position. He's younger and has bigger ambitions than Tim Walz, and I believe he's got a bright future ahead of him.
Time will tell but I think Tim Wal will prove to be an effective and reliable partner who will at the very least get some people not inclined to vote for a Democrat to at listen.
I hope the Dems win. I'm probably going to vote for them. I hope he's a great pick and that he's a dynamite VP. I certainly would rather have them than the other two. I'm just not going to be jumping up and down doing cartwheels because I'm not a progressive---at all. But, this is America, so ya know, it's not that big a deal. Tomorrow, we all get to go outside and live peacefully. I don't remember politics being so dispiriting. What happened over the last 20 years?
If Biden had stayed in after his debate showed he could not stand up strongly to Trump under pressure, I would have asked Lincoln Project and Bulwark folks to run Liz Cheney and Adam! But I'm thrilled with KH and TW - the most authentic and best of Dems, for those of us you like Dems when they go Matthew 25.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I can’t be as certain that antisemitism is the reason Shapiro was passed over, but the possibility that this could be the case needs to be extinguished in at least one party. Maybe we learn more about this selection in time. Your points on what is/not a weapon of war relative to gun safety made question the frame. Would a better frame for drawing lines on what weapons we want to allow and where in society be some measure of the potential damage a weapon can do over a given space and time? A knife could eventually do a lot of damage, but it will take time, and range is limited. Even knives get confiscated going into some crowded spaces and I accept it. You can choose to keep your knife, but you will miss going in to see your favorite band.
Why should an American combat veteran hand over his weapons to a country that betrayed him on the battlefield?
Why should any American, combat vet or not, give up any weapon he or she has never used for criminal purposes?
'Amen.
I am sorry that you and so many have been betrayed by this country. I read your posts to better understand where you are coming from, and your drive to continue to improve and protect this country and other communities that want to self govern.
On the weapons question, I was pointing out that some lines have to be drawn, some are already drawn. We can’t have people running around with grenades, or school shooters upgrading to mortar attacks. Likely you don’t have every weapon with every capability you would have had in combat. Would you be in favor of loosening rules on weapons? Which ones? Society changes, weapons change, technology changes and over time the rules that govern them will need to change. We should have some guiding principles on how we do that.
Bro, I didn’t say that to cause you to feel bad. It’s a genuine question that you need to answer.
Here’s always my question to people who understandably feel “gun violence” is too high so they want to restrict guns.
How do you plan to tell American combat veterans they’re no longer able to carry a gun. The very people who were blown up for the last 20 years?
What’s your pitch to them?
Bc if you think most of my friends will heed societies attempt at constraining their ability to purchase an AR-15–then you should get ready for a problem.
I’ll be honest, even if you passed an AR-15 ban, I would keep mine and make you take it from me.
4 years ago Trump tried to steal the election.
Now you want me to restrict my ability to protect myself should he actually win the election?
Not me.
We’re good, you didn’t make me feel bad. I’m open to the discussion.
Maybe veterans should be allowed to keep their AR-15s. Veterans have had training, are professionals, and understand the consequences of using their weapons. There could be more permissive rules for veterans based on their service. There should be extra resources and privileges for veterans in good standing. Non-veterans could have more restrictive rules or require training for certain weapons certifications.
What does good standing mean? Let me ask a question: Should I have an AR-15? I voluntarily admitted myself to a mental hospital last year. Can I have a weapon?
I did read that a while back, and voluntary seeking help is a good, and you are courageous to talk about it. I think you do a great service to others who may need help. I hope you got some useful tools from that experience.
For each suggestion there is gotcha in this conversation on this path. Here is the question I am trying to understand from you on this and what the second amendment means to you. Does it mean no conditions on any weapons any time, any place, for anybody? Or would you have some conditions, and what would that look like to you?
A very progressive friend told me why she didn't support Shapiro: "Zionism and sexual assault." Huh? I think Shapiro's positions vis-a-vis Israel are a lot like many American's; he supports Israel's existence, believes Israel has a right to defend itself, and hopes for a two-state solution. Do I have that right? But sexual assault? So I dug around a bit. Evidently a person who works for Shapiro (not Shapiro) was accused of some kind of verbal improprieties (not assault); Shapiro let him go and the administration settled with the alleged victim. My progressive friend somehow has connected Shapiro to sexual assault. (No, she isn't stupid, Ph.D. from Yale.) Misinformation from...the Trump campaign? Plus far-left (anti-Semetic?) progressives? I have heard something to this effect. I do not like to spread rumors and I cannot swear that this is true but apparently the Trump campaign was a lot more afraid of V.P. pick Shapiro than they are of V.P. pick Walz. Maybe they had a reason. Sure hope they are wrong and Walz can kick a**.
I got into this with some of my friends (mid 20s) yesterday since I was bigger on Shapiro than Walz, but nobody cares about Israel Palestine (1)! If the primary goal is beating Trump it's obvious Shapiro should have gotten the nod. Plus if VPs are potential future presidents, Joe Biden but 20 years younger sounds a lot like ... Biden sixteen years ago.
(1) https://iop.harvard.edu/youth-poll/47th-edition-spring-2024
It was reported by Marc Caputo that there was a whisper campaign coming from Team Trump . I don’t think it made a real difference in the decision but the fact Trump people being scared of Josh proved that he was a compelling pick.
https://www.thebulwark.com/p/trump-world-fueled-anti-shapiro-whisper-campaign?utm_campaign=posts-open-in-app&triedRedirect=true
I read the sexual harassment settlement relating to Shapiro’s aid. The people already hate Josh were drawing similarities to Trump’s hush money settlements. Those who acknowledged it was a staff and not him said it was still his fault for looking the other way. That purity test on him was not only ridiculous but very malicious.
Mr.Selber, I felt wounded after reading this piece. I think it was your hard dismissal of the democrate
party. I'm sure you have your good reasons for your opinion, having to do with your family and personal experiences. I loosely identify as democrate, due to my personal family history going back to my grandparents who immigrated from Northern Italy. It's an interesting story which I won't go into here. I've been pondering my emotional response for awhile and it led me to an organization called the Institute of Islamic, Christian and Jewish Studies where I listened to an interview with Michael Manekin. It brought me a sense of balance. I wish you well and continue to read your writings. I find you. to be an interesting and complicated person. I like that Marcia Valesano Hammerbeck