The recent controversy surrounding Donald Trump’s visit to a memorial service at Arlington National Cemetery has once again brought the military to the forefront of the 2024 presidential contest. The visit, intended to highlight a potential vulnerability in Kamala Harris’ vice presidential record regarding the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, backfired on Trump. His campaign faced allegations of physically pushing a cemetery staff member and breaking federal law by using cemetery grounds for political purposes.
This incident is just the latest example of the military being used as a political tool on the campaign trail, despite neither presidential candidate having served in the military. Both candidates have selected veterans as their running mates, continuing a long-standing tradition in American politics.
The use of the military as a political weapon is not a new tactic. Past incidents, such as the Benghazi attack in 2012, the vote to go to war with Iraq, and attacks on John Kerry’s military record, have all had lasting impacts on political campaigns. Presidents must pass the commander-in-chief test and demonstrate they can be trusted with the lives of those who serve in uniform.
The recent incident at Arlington National Cemetery, where Trump’s campaign team allegedly pushed aside a staff member to take photos, highlights the fine line between respecting the military and exploiting it for political gain. The Army confirmed that federal laws and regulations prohibit political activities on cemetery grounds, defending the staff member who was unfairly attacked by Trump’s team.
As the 2024 election continues, both campaigns are likely to use the candidates’ records on military matters as a point of contention. The incident at Arlington National Cemetery underscores the importance of showing respect for the military and honoring the sacrifices of those who serve their country. The scandal reached its peak when CBS News published a series of fabricated documents, which served as the basis for the film “Truth.” During the same period, John Kerry’s record was also questioned in a “swift boat” attack orchestrated by Chris LaCivita, now a senior adviser to Trump’s campaign.
Trump’s vulnerability regarding service members and veterans is evident in reports alleging that he referred to them as “suckers and losers,” a claim he denies. He also sparked controversy by stating that Sen. John McCain, a prisoner of war, was “not a war hero” due to his capture. Recently, Trump faced criticism from veterans groups for his comments about the country’s top civilian honor being “much better” than its top military honor.
According to Feaver, these incidents have left indelible stains on Trump’s reputation that cannot be erased. However, Gerow believes that this will not significantly impact Trump’s support among the military and veteran community, citing his success in winning their votes in previous elections.
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