Government

‘My God, That‘s All She Talks About’: Rep. Joe Walsh Seemingly Insults Military Service of Double Amputee Political Opponent

Rep. Joe Walsh Seemingly Insults Double Amputee Tammy Duckworths Military Service | Illinois

(Photo: AP)

Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL) found himself in hot water Tuesday morning after Think Progress publicized a 54-second clip from a town hall meeting he held Sunday, where he seemingly criticized his political opponent (who lost both her legs in Iraq) as being too braggadocios about her military service.

Walsh began the controversial explanation by saying that, whether or not you liked John McCain last election, he was a hero:

“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.”

Immediately after, Walsh continued:

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

(Related: Joe Walsh Loses Cool at Town Hall: ‘That’s Not the Problem!’)

Walsh’s opponent Tammy Duckworth chose to become a helicopter pilot because, she told USA Today, “she wanted to take the same risks as the guys.”  Over her twenty-year service, she has reportedly received a Purple Heart, an Air Medal, and an Army Commendation Medal, and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Watch the offending clip, via Think Progress, below:

Now, “Vote Vets” and a number of other groups are calling for Walsh to resign, saying: “Telling a veteran to shut up on the 4th of July is beyond the pale.”

Read their complete statement, via Think Progress, below:

Joe Walsh’s disgust for our veterans’ sacrifices knows no bounds.  First, he falsely and maliciously claims that Tammy Duckworth, a veteran who lost her legs in Iraq didn’t have much of a record of service.  Now, he denigrates that same American hero for talking about how her experience shaped her worldview and strengthened her resolve to serve even more – a conversation that isn’t just legitimate to have, but crucial as America charts its course domestically and internationally. This is a new low for this deadbeat dad.  Telling a veteran to shut up on the 4th of July is beyond the pale.  We are past the point of calling on Joe Walsh to apologize.  He should step aside and and stop embarrassing his district and America.

The “deadbeat dad” description is likely a reference to the fact that, at one point, Walsh reportedly owed his ex-wife $100,000 in back child support.  His children are 24, 21, and 17, and the former couple reportedly resolved the matter in court.

Rep. Joe Walsh Seemingly Insults Double Amputee Tammy Duckworths Military Service | Illinois

Joe Walsh and Tammy Duckworth (Photos: AP)

Walsh’s office has issued this response:

“Of course Tammy Duckworth is a hero.  I have called her a hero 100’s of times in the past four months.  Just like every man and woman who has worn the uniform, her service demands — demands — our utmost respect.  That’s why I recognize our veterans at the beginning of every one of my public town halls.  However, unlike most veterans I have had the honor to meet since my election to Congress, who rarely if ever talk about their service or the combat they’ve seen, that is darn near all of what Tammy Duckworth talks about.  Her service demands our thanks and our respect but not our vote.  She is running for Congress — and there are real problems in this country like our massive debt, high unemployment and the Obamacare tax.  We are about four months from Election Day and the people of Illinois have no idea where Tammy Duckworth stands on these issues because she dodges debate requests, ignores our invitations to speak at town halls, refuses to talk about solutions and constantly reminds voters of her war service.  Our thoughts and prayers will always be with her for her service and her loss but these are serious times and the people of Illinois deserve to know what she thinks about real issues and what she will do as a Congresswoman.”

Watch the 15-minute version of the clip, below.  While it’s clear that Walsh moves on to take questions after the offending statement, the clip does seem to cut off some of his introductory remarks.

Comments (124)

1 2 3
  • MasterJoshua7
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 6:02pm

    I haven‘t payed much attention to this election but if what he’s saying is true, then he’s totally right to say it. He might be politically stupid to say it, but from what I’ve seen, Joe Walsh doesn’t seem to really about being politcally correct. Which isn’t always a bad thing but it will open him up to more moments like this, unfortunetally.

    Report Post » MasterJoshua7  
    • Uranium Wedge
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:21pm

      My question is, How can you serve this great country like she did and be a democrat?…

      Report Post » Uranium Wedge  
    • Verceofreason
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 9:46pm

      She’s more of a man than Walsh could ever hope to be. Period.

      Report Post » Verceofreason  
    • Cemoto78
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 10:30pm

      Joe, anyone who served this country in the military is a stand up person no matter what their political leanings are. If you were smart you would give her the credit she is due, but then state how she was a hero to fight for those freedoms we enjoy and have such a great process. Then Joe, go on with how even though she gave her all for the country she wouldn’t do as good as you would to continue the liberty and freedom we enjoy.

      Report Post » Cemoto78  
    • pauler1960
      Posted on July 4, 2012 at 12:09am

      I am the guy in the green and black striped shirt and shorts at this event. Joe is the ONE decent politician in this forsaken state of IL that I live in. Joe is absolutely right. Most soldiers are humble and dislike talking about their experiences and embarrassed when they are honored. Liberals use their service as the focal point of why they should be elected and talk about it incessantly, and in some cases even lie about it. John Kerry comes to mind. While I respect Tammy for her service to her country, she is using her disability to slander her opponent. Joe is fearless and need to be with the endless attacks from the feckless Democrats in this state.

      Report Post »  
    • dmerwin
      Posted on July 4, 2012 at 1:27pm

      Should have stuck to the guitar Joe.

      Report Post » dmerwin  
    • dmerwin
      Posted on July 4, 2012 at 1:30pm

      I respect her military service but am a bit uncomfortable (tongue in cheek) about her service in the Obama admin and Holder’s endorsement. Joe stay the F&^% on topic dumbass.

      Report Post » dmerwin  
  • Patrick Henry II
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:58pm

    I am sure she is a typical commie leftists enemy of the state type typical Dem from Illinois just like Barry is. I would have to research it but why. It be worse than what I have just stated. I’m going to a party with real patriots. Bybye.

    Report Post » Patrick Henry II  
    • Patrick Henry II
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 6:08pm

      Ok I felt bad so I checked her out and she is actually worse than the above statements. At leat I am being fair. Now I am oing to a party with real patriots. bye.

      Report Post » Patrick Henry II  
    • VanceUppercut
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:42pm

      Yes, real patriots like deadbeat dad Joe Walsh, or friend of biker gangs Allen West, or serial adulterers Gingrich and Giuliani (who both cheated on sick wives), or failed Governor Palin, or shameless liar Scott Walker (who publicly claims that he’s not trying to bust unions, but has been caught on video telling a millionaire campaign contributor that he intends to do just that), or Paul Ryan (who confusingly claims that his Christianity is what led him to his “screw poor people” stances), or Karl Rove (truly a world class liar, he used racism as a tool in South Carolina during the 2000 primaries by spreading a lie that John McCain fathered an illegitimate child with a black woman), or George W. Bush (who joined the Air National Guard to avoid being drafted and went AWOL in 1972-73), or…well, you get the picture.

       
    • behonest
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:17pm

      She is a big slobbering fool for Obama. He put her in charge of some phoney program. Go Joe! tell these liberal Jon Stolts go pound sand, whinning on Msnbc, chris Matthews show today Oh how he cares,he did everything against our troops stood with CODE PINK and every boycott during the Bush yrs now they are so patriotic coming to duckworths defence. I would not vote for anyone that is helping Obama destroy this country from within. We are not falling for it

      Report Post » behonest  
    • thefnshow
      Posted on July 4, 2012 at 1:44am

      hey vance , people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones,bill clintion, serial fornication even had a rape charge levied against him…john edwards , had a relationship and fathered a child while his wife was dying of cancer….walsh has very good point and he has acknowledged duckworth‘s service before but when he asks where does she stand on the issues and she doesn’t respond..then you question that…or you end up with another obama in office.

      Report Post » thefnshow  
  • MrKnowItAll
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:53pm

    SHE was on Dr. Phil. That’s all you need to know NOT to VOTE for her.

    Report Post » MrKnowItAll  
  • Mr.Fitnah
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:44pm

    Lose one leg ,thats an accident lose two thats negligent

    Report Post » Mr.Fitnah  
    • weisja4
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 6:49pm

      Yeah….she lost the bottom part of both legs and had severe damage to her arm after her black hawk was hit by an RPG over Iraq.

      It wasn’t an “accident” or “negligence”, it was combat.

      Report Post »  
    • Verceofreason
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:31pm

      That makes so much sense.
      What’s it called when one loses their mind. Like you?

      Report Post » Verceofreason  
  • redduke
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:44pm

    I’m a vet. Here’s my chime. Joe speaks directly and with little reserve. He did so here. This is in the grey zone of PC correctness. He was crass, insensitive and will alienate a lot of voters. Is that how you think you’ll get elected? Not too smart on this one. Make sure brain is engaged before mout.

    Report Post »  
  • stopprintn
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:43pm

    With Think Progress and Vote Vets backing her, she is about as far left as you can go. I’ll bet she does avoid the issues. NO MORE ********. Vote for Joe.

    Report Post »  
    • KenInIL
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 6:11pm

      This is the 3rd election I’ve watched Duckworth in. The first, a primary, against a gal who had been coming close to beating Henry Hyde, Duckworth’s opponent campaigned like mad, Duckworth sat a home and had the DNC send out mailer’s – lots of mailers and Duckworth won. Her sit a home stragegy didn’t work against Peter Roskam and she lost. Immediately after loosing she got a high paying job as Dir of Veterans Affairs for the state of IL. The IL legislature carved out the district she is running in with her in mind, Walsh lived out of this district (he may have moved). I believe Duckworth will be a guaranteed vote for whatever the D leadership wants.

      Report Post »  
  • swamp_donkey
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:43pm

    so she volunteered for the illegal war the bush/cheney walking garbage started and lost her legs in service of her country keeping you coward pukes safe and a deadbeat dad weasel who never volunteered in his life call has the gall to berate her , i suppose in the fantasy world of you chicken hawks that makes him a hero , used to be the one thing you traitors were good for was at least cheering for the people that fight your battles now you dont even have the decency to do that you vile cretens

    Report Post »  
    • MBA
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:57pm

      Whoa there liberal. Obamy has had three years to get the military out of Afghanastan or Iraq and he‘s acting like he’s all about war. I wouldn’t be blaming all this on Bush. And as for traitors–you have no facts to back up your ranting but you sure know about treason. So when you start believing this country is about free stuff and being liberal is saving people’s freedom–better think again Swamp-jackass.

      Report Post »  
    • swamp_donkey
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 6:04pm

      coward

      Report Post »  
    • Exrepublisheep
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 6:57pm

      Traitors give aid and comfort to the enemy. I see a LOT of that on this site. If you served under Georgie you were a hero, under Obama you’re a P.O.S. Internet warriors certainly ARE cowards when they insult service members and haven’t served themeselves.

      Report Post » Exrepublisheep  
    • Laureen1
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:02pm

      Please explain why the Iraq war was illegal? There WERE WMD’s – we found 500 metric tons of yellow cake uranium or didn’t ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC tell you? Also, if you tell a drug dealer your going to raid him in 6 months – do you think he‘s going to keep his product in house or move it to a friend’s house aka Syria, Egypt, et al.

      Congress voted to go to war based on the SAME intel President Bush had. He followed the Constitution – your guy craps on it every chance he gets. Also, have you read that 70% of the deaths in Afghanistan happened under your guy Barry? But if all you do is watch the alphabet networks in mommy‘s basement then you wouldn’t have heard that. However, they sure were up to date on the war deaths under President Bush – broadcasting the numbers nightly.

      So, swamp-A$$ – explain to me how your messiah isn’t in illegal wars? Went into Lybia without Congressional approval. Has troops in South Africa. Zero’s Defense Secretary, Leon Panetta, has stated before Congressional committees that the U.S. must get approval to go to war from an International body aka the U.N.- DID YOU READ THAT? EFF CONGRESS is what your guys does. He also has a deck of cards that he likes to select his next drone target from – Judge, Jury & Executioner – and you have the gall to bash President Bush who did what he thought best after your friends in the Middle East killed 3000 American citizens.

      Take your anti-President Bush lies and shove them up your Daily Kos

      Report Post »  
    • Verceofreason
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:23pm

      These rubes eat it up.
      The average IQ of most of the conservative poster is about 75

      In a nut shell, Joe Walsh is among the most IGNORANT people in America to run for public office.
      There is nothing to defend there, folks.

      Report Post » Verceofreason  
    • Lt_Scrounge
      Posted on July 4, 2012 at 1:12am

      Well let’s get a few things straight Swamp Jackass, if she served for 20 years, she was in long before 9/11. Now if she was in for 20 years and only got a purple heart (probably from the RPG attack that took her legs) an ARCOM (which is only two steps above the Army Service Ribbon that EVERYONE gets. I‘d be surprised if she made it to Lt Col and DIDN’T have at least one ARCOM.) and an Air Medal.

      If she’s dodging debates, refusing to answer questions, or even state what her beliefs are, she needs to be called out. I’ve never heard of Vote Vets, but anyone supported by George Soros front group Think Progress will automatically get my opposition.

      Report Post »  
  • TJexcite
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:42pm

    Think Progress…. Might as well got the story from the DNC press office as part of attack ad on Joe Walsh which it will be.

    Report Post » TJexcite  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:40pm

    the democrats sure spun it to make it sound like Walsh was dissing her. across the board, he was not. she’s playing on public democrat and indep sympathy to carry her into that Chicago dirty obama-Mob MONEY AND POWER to help obama finish killing off America.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • cristo52
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:40pm

    The man’s a jack cass. He did himself absolutely no favors there and may well have lost the election. A good politician knows when to hold his or her tongue, and even if Duckworth was a blabbermouth, good old Joe there should have kept his trap shut.

    Report Post »  
    • disenlightened
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:48pm

      You’re way off base. He’s right. Not much worse than someone who uses there misfortune to take advantage of others or to gain their sympathy.

      Report Post » disenlightened  
    • Verceofreason
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:33pm

      He is truly classless.
      But so was LBJ. Just that LBJ was also smart.

      Report Post » Verceofreason  
  • cookcountypatriot
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:35pm

    joe is a tea party guy and tammy is a progressive…go joe go

    Report Post » cookcountypatriot  
    • Watchyer6
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:51pm

      I agree, but Walsh keeps shooting himself in the foot, and alienating a lot of people who might vote for him. He’s probably going to get clobbered, and we’ll get stuck with another Obama/Durbin liberal.

      Report Post » Watchyer6  
    • justangry
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:58pm

      So Joe is an originalist? He hasn’t voted against the Constitution at all? No Patriot Act, NDAA, CISPA, HR347, etc.?

      Report Post » justangry  
  • Hannibal_32
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:34pm

    Umm. Why is this a story? He isn’t demeaning her service.. He’s just making a common sense observation. She is trying to get elected on the basis of her service, which is silly. Does the electorate deserve to know her stance on major issues or not? I’m a veteran, too. Should I run with the expectation that nobody understand my position on major issues, simply because I’m a veteran? SILLY.

    Report Post »  
  • Doctor Nordo
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:31pm

    Military veteran chiming in here. I agree with Joe Walsh if Tammy is really guilty of what he says she’s guilty of. You can’t base your entire platform on your military service when there are pressing matters to address that have nothing to do with the military.

    Isn’t it possible – just a LITTLE possible – that Tammy is hoping to win the sympathy vote?

    Report Post » Doctor Nordo  
    • Hannibal_32
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:41pm

      That was my point as well.. If being a veteran shields you from declaring your positions on important issues, then why have the election at all? I wish there was a website that excluded political affiliation or names and just reported the story. I bet the comments section would look a lot differently. The -D or -R after the name just presets the comments to the reader’s political bias.

      Report Post »  
    • Polarized America
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:51pm

      http://www.tammyduckworth.com/

      all i saw in her site about her being a wounded vet was in her bio

      Report Post »  
    • swamp_donkey
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 10:45pm

      your no veteran

      Report Post »  
  • spinelessdave
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:31pm

    Democreeps have ruined the state of Illinois,
    and if it were to have an enema it would be
    Chicago 1st Springfield 2nd vote no to democraps
    even if in a wheelchair or rock star status!

    Report Post » spinelessdave  
  • scarebear83
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:28pm

    I may not agree with Ms. Duckworth’s viewpoints (Democrat) but I do thank her for her service and Joe Walsh (Republican) should rethink this battle.

    Report Post » scarebear83  
  • paperpushermj
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:20pm

    I would vote for her just to watch the House be forced to make the place wheelchair compliant.

    Report Post » paperpushermj  
    • Harvey
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:46pm

      I dont think to much of Walsh but hes right,this woman need to tell the people what she stands for.I hope that people think with their heads and not their hearts this election because we cannot afford to let these people have another four years.We must be careful how and who we vote for because our Children and Grand Childrens lives depend on us.

      Report Post »  
  • Watermain
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:18pm

    I’m just going to guess that this jackass is not a combat veteran like the hero he has insulted. If she wasn’t a double amputee, I expect she could have and would have kicked his sorry ass for the insults. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice Ms. Duckworth. I wish I could vote for you.

    Report Post » Watermain  
    • TEXASGRANNY73
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 6:06pm

      I thank all vets for their service. Always. But I wouldn’t vote for a liberal Democrat no matter who they are. I vote my political beliefs. Certainly many in Congress are vets on both sides of the aisle.

      Report Post »  
    • Verceofreason
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:31pm

      John McCain made a career out of being in a hole for 5 years because he was a lousy pilot and crashed his FIFTH plane.
      Of course all the loons attacking this veteran will now attack me for attacking the philandering Johnny.

      Report Post » Verceofreason  
  • bcliff
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:16pm

    Excellent position, but it’s crazy to say it.

    Report Post »  
  • lylejk
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:15pm

    Just an observation, but even the Republicans in Illinois are idiots. What’s with this state anyway. :)

    Report Post » lylejk  
  • MommaGrizzly
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:14pm

    It doesn’t sound like he said anything negative about her disability – just her dodging the true issues and relying on her service to get people to vote for her.

    Report Post » MommaGrizzly  
  • lylejk
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:13pm

    I don’t care if this guys a Republican or not, but he obviously doesn’t have any couth and should get the boot. I have zero tolerance for disrespecting any veteran period. Go away Joe with your tail behind your buttox. :)

    Report Post » lylejk  
  • Alvin691
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:12pm

    He’s right.

    Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:20pm

      Maybe, but he still shouldn’t have said it.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • justangry
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:29pm

      No he isn’t. First, our heros never came home. I believe every veteran will tell you that. Some veterans talk about it. Some don’t. We all don’t think the same way, you know. I mean it really depends on her motives. If she’s using it to get into congress so she can take kickbacks, bribes and all the standard horse crap, then I don’t agree with her. If she is running because she has a passion and understanding about what’s wrong with our foreign policy and is wanting to change course, or she wants to fix the care Veterans like her get, etc. then I say, go for it.

      Report Post » justangry  
    • bikerr
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:05pm

      @justangry—Maybe you should take the time to find out about her?

      Report Post »  
    • justangry
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:17pm

      @Bikker, Of course, you’re right. Just feeling a little lazy about looking up politicians today. It’s becoming exhausting and disappointing, ya know?

      Report Post » justangry  
  • TNT75
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:09pm

    People of Illinois, please do not let this poor excuse of a man represent you. Liberal Democrats have all but bankrupted Chicago and your wonderful State. It is time to swing the pendulum in the other direction.

    Report Post » TNT75  
    • Doctor Nordo
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:29pm

      Pretty sure Walsh is a Tea Partier and Tammy is a Democrat. Just sayin’.

      Report Post » Doctor Nordo  
    • VanceUppercut
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:44pm

      @Doctor Nordo

      You’re correct. Now watch how quickly TNT75′s tune changes to “Joe Walsh is a patriot! And Tammy Duckworth is a Commie!”

      Report Post »  
  • rickc34
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:07pm

    Welcome to the political world Tammy, the left has done this to most on the right so get used to it.

    Report Post »  
  • spinelessdave
    Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:07pm

    Go Joe Go

    Report Post » spinelessdave  
    • Fearnone
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 5:22pm

      To he11 Joe To he11

      Report Post » Fearnone  
    • Verceofreason
      Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:36pm

      How much child support does he still owe.
      Your idols never cease to amaze me.
      Walsh, West, Palin,
      The 3 stooges have nothing on them.

      Report Post » Verceofreason  
1 2 3

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love