Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL) Needs To Apologize To Tammy Duckworth

Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL) just stepped over the line in his re-election bid against Tammy Duckworth. His recent remarks at a town hall meeting are just indefensible. From Mediaite:

“But understand something about John McCain. His political advisers, day after day, had to take him and almost throw him against a wall and hit him against the head and say, ‘Senator, you have to let people know you served! You have to talk about what you did!’ He didn’t want to do it, wouldn’t do it. Day after day they had to convince him. Finally, he talked a little bit about it, but it was very uncomfortable for him. That’s what’s so noble about our heroes.

Now I’m running against a woman who, I mean, my God. That’s all she talks about. Our true heroes, it’s the last thing in the world they talk about. That’s why we’re so indebted and in awe of what they’ve done.”

Look, it’s one thing to disagree with Duckworth’s politics and point out why her ideas are wrong for America, but her service to this country is not up for debate, nor is the frequency with which she chooses to talk about it. While being an injured veteran does not automatically qualify anyone for office, Duckworth is a double amputee who lost both her legs in 2004 when an RPG hit her helicopter in Iraq. As such, she has more than earned the right to discuss her service anytime she chooses.

Inferring that Ms. Duckworth is somehow not a “true hero” is way out of line and has no place in that contest. Rep. Walsh needs to apologize to her for his insensitive statement and stay focused on why electing her is bad for Illinois and leave her service record, which is above reproach, alone.