Megyn Kelly Tackles Tim Walz 'Stolen Valor' Claims and Harris VP Choice

Megyn Kelly Dives into Tim Walz's Controversial VP Selection

Megyn Kelly, on her popular show, recently hosted a discussion that unpacked the reasons behind Kamala Harris's selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice-presidential running mate. Joined by Mark Halperin, editor-in-chief and host of 2WAY, Kelly explored the strategic motivations for this choice. Halperin noted that Walz was seen as an 'easy' pick, especially after a meeting with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro raised concerns among Harris's team. This decision, made in early August 2024, aimed to appeal to rural, white voters in the American heartland with Walz's plain-spoken style, despite his radical policy positions.

At around the 5:30 mark of the video, Halperin elaborated on Harris's refusal to engage in interviews, suggesting a deliberate strategy to avoid tough questions. He pointed out that the broader press has not pressured her to speak, allowing her campaign to focus on curated appearances. This approach, according to Halperin, contrasts with Walz's compelling public speaking ability, which masks some of his more extreme policy stances that might not resonate with all voters.

Questions Surrounding Tim Walz's Military Record

The conversation took a serious turn when veteran Tom Behrends joined Kelly to discuss allegations of 'stolen valor' related to Walz's military service in the National Guard. Starting at approximately the 25:15 point, Behrends shared his personal experience serving alongside Walz and raised concerns about Walz's decision to retire before a deployment to Iraq. Behrends questioned Walz's leadership, suggesting that this move could be seen as abandoning his unit during a critical time. He also highlighted Walz's comments about being 'in war,' which some veterans consider misleading and potentially constituting 'stolen valor.'

Behrends further criticized how Walz has described himself and allowed others to portray his military service, including the use of a rank he may not have fully earned. Posts found on X from Megyn Kelly herself echo these concerns, noting that Walz owed two more years on his re-enlistment when he left, as confirmed by paperwork obtained by Alpha News Minnesota. These discussions have fueled a broader controversy about the authenticity of Walz's military narrative.

Walz's Policies and Public Perception During Crises

Later in the episode, around the 45:10 mark, Stephen L. Miller, host of the 'Versus Media' podcast, and Drew Holden, author of the 'Holden Court' Substack, joined Kelly to analyze Walz's actions during significant events in Minnesota. They focused on his lack of decisive action during the height of the Black Lives Matter protests and riots, painting a picture of a governor who failed to protect his state while it faced chaos. Miller emphasized that the corporate media's portrayal of Walz as a 'cool dad' figure glosses over the reality of his policy record, prioritizing 'vibes' over substantive achievements or failures.

Holden added that this focus on image over reality extends to the broader coverage of Harris and Walz, describing it as embarrassingly fawning at times. This segment of the discussion underscored a disconnect between the public persona crafted for Walz and the actual impact of his governance, particularly during crises that demanded strong leadership.

Broader Implications for the Harris-Walz Ticket

Kelly and her guests also touched on specific campaign tactics, such as Walz's unfounded smear against JD Vance involving a false couch-related story, which Halperin addressed near the 15:20 mark. This incident was cited as an example of the Harris-Walz campaign's willingness to play dirty to score political points. The panel expressed concern that such strategies, combined with a lack of transparency from Harris, could alienate voters who value honesty and accountability in their leaders.

The episode, aired in early August 2024, reflects a critical moment in the presidential race, with Kelly providing a platform for voices questioning the integrity and suitability of the Democratic ticket. As the election approaches, these discussions about military service authenticity and policy effectiveness are likely to remain central to the public discourse surrounding Harris and Walz. This detailed examination by Kelly and her guests offers a perspective that challenges the polished narrative often presented by mainstream outlets, urging viewers to look beyond surface-level impressions.