Since Vice President Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, Republican military veterans have attacked his service record, reflecting a troubling trend in American politics.
These tactics have proved successful for winning competitive elections by questioning the character and national security bona fides of Democrats, particularly those with military histories.
The process began in 2002 when Republican operatives questioned the patriotism of Vietnam veteran and triple amputee Senator Max Cleland, undermining the trust in military service.
Cleland joined the Army after college, becoming a war hero but faced relentless attacks on his military service during his reelection campaign.
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