Sen. Tina Smith’s False Claim About JD Vance’s Military Service Draws Correction from CNN’s Jim Acosta

In a recent interview on CNN, Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) made an erroneous statement about the military service of Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), who is the Republican vice presidential nominee. Smith, who is a surrogate for Vice President Kamala Harris, claimed that Vance had “never served in the military.” This assertion was swiftly corrected by CNN anchor Jim Acosta, who reminded Smith that Vance had served as a corporal in the public affairs section of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Vance’s military service has been a topic of discussion in recent weeks, as he has accused Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who is Harris’ running mate, of dodging his military service. Vance has stated that he enlisted in the Marines and served in Iraq when his country called, while Walz dropped out of the Army and allowed his unit to go without him.

Smith’s misstatement about Vance’s military service highlights the importance of accuracy in political discourse. It is essential for individuals, especially those in positions of influence, to be mindful of the facts and to avoid making false or misleading statements.

The correction by Acosta also serves as a reminder of the role of the media in holding public figures accountable. By pointing out Smith’s error, Acosta helped to ensure that accurate information was conveyed to the public.

It is crucial that the truth prevails in political discussions. False or misleading statements can undermine public trust and make it difficult for citizens to make informed decisions about important issues.

As we approach the upcoming election, it is more important than ever to prioritize accuracy and truthfulness in political discourse. By holding individuals accountable for their statements and by ensuring that accurate information is widely disseminated, we can help to strengthen our democracy and make informed choices about our future leaders.

Additional Information:

• Sen. Tina Smith has since apologized for her inaccurate statement about Sen. JD Vance’s military service.
• Vance has released his military records, which confirm that he served in the Marines from 2003 to 2007.
• Walz has also released his military records, which show that he served in the Army National Guard from 1981 to 2005.