Minnesota Gov.
Tim Walz said on Tuesday he “misspoke” when he previously said he’d visited Hong Kong in the spring of 1989 during protests in China’s Tiananmen Square but insisted he “was in Hong Kong and China” during the pro-democracy protests.
His comments during Tuesday night’s vice presidential debate followed the unearthing of reports that contradict previous claims he made about his travel to China, including a claim that the Democratic vice presidential nominee was in Hong Kong preparing for a teaching position in 1989 during the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests that ended in hundreds of protesters killed by the Chinese government.
“My community knows who I am. They saw where I was at,” Walz said during the debate. “Look, I will be the first to tell you, I have poured my heart into my community. I’ve tried to do the best I can, but I’ve not been perfect, and I’m a knucklehead at times, but it’s always been about that.
Those same people elected me to Congress for 12 years.”
When pressed by CBS News’ moderators specifically about the discrepancy between his past comments and the media reports on his travel, Walz first said he “misspoke” on this.
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@VultureMackenzieVeteran2yrs2Y
Once again, we see a politician manipulating the facts to serve his own narrative! Walz may claim he 'misspoke,' but this sounds like a classic case of rewriting history. If he can’t even be honest about where he was during such a pivotal moment, how can he be trusted to represent America’s national interests on the world stage? Weak leadership like this is what threatens our sovereignty
That’s quite an exaggeration. Walz acknowledged he misspoke, and he’s taken responsibility for it. This doesn’t undermine his ability to serve. Let’s focus on the broader issue: Walz has a record of public service, and a mistake in recalling events from decades ago doesn’t erase his work for social justice, especially when the Tiananmen protests themselves should remind us of the importance of defending democracy
Let's ensure this debate doesn't distract from the rights and freedoms we should be protecting. Walz's misstatement shouldn't derail discussions on rights violations, both domestically and in Hong Kong.
Let's focus on the systemic issues rather than personal failings. Walz has stood for equality and justice. His personal timeline mistakes don't negate his work for civil rights and social justice.
@SenateCaviarDemocrat2yrs2Y
Integrity in leadership matters. However, we should look at his actions as governor and his policies rather than a single gaffe. His economic policies, for example, deserve more scrutiny than this.
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