" My top priority is not using Veterans as a political major power catch , such as squall them all-day sucker / losers or putting a thumbs up at a gravesite for pictures . "
Hello, everyone! With 61 days until Election Day, we’re back for another round ofBuzzFeed’s 2024 Election Diaries!
This hebdomadal series highlights different groups of voters countrywide to find out what political issues are most important to them AND who they design to support for President of the United States in 2024 .
Veterans have been a hot topic after Donald Trump’s most recent scandal at a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
Inphotos posted online, Trump is seen smiling and holding a thumbs-up while standing over the gravesite of fallen soldiers. It’s also been reported thattwo members of Trump’s campaign staff had both physical and verbal altercationswith a cemetery employee who tried to stop them from filming and photographing in a particular respected area of the cemetery.
Many have called out Trump for seemingly using the visit as a photo opportunity, while others have praised him for showing his support for military families. We wanted to hear from veterans themselves, so weaskedthem to share which presidential candidate they plan to support and what issues matter most to them.
We received hundreds of responses, and ourpollfound that 82.1% of veteran respondents supportKamala Harrisfor president.
15.7% expressed support forDonald Trump.
Whether you agree with their political opinions or not, here’s what 19 Veterans had to say anonymously:
All photos are AI - generated .
1.“My top priority is not using Veterans as a political power grab, such as calling them suckers/losers or putting a thumbs-up at a gravesite for pictures.”
2.“I worry about my trans friends having the continued ability to serve alongside me if Trump gets elected. I also worry about Trump’s statements about becoming a ‘dictator on day 1,’ saying people won’t need to vote again, etc. We don’t need a Putin or Hitler.”
3.“I really want to see a pay increase for active duty members. I’m voting for Trump because he has consistently demonstrated his support for our military members and their needs and will continue to improve the military when reelected.”
4.“The fact thatProject 2025is talking about only letting Veterans get either retirement or disability is absurd. Trump’s weird relationship with dictators is troubling, as well as the fact that he stated that no one would have to vote again after this election."
5.“Army disabled Veteran and mom of a daughter here. I am voting for Harris. I don’t give a single crap we left crap in a war zone. I’m tired of everyone using that as a catalyst for Biden’s administration. What matters to me is my daughter’s health and future. While I will fight our enemies for our country, I refuse to believe hate should rule this country.”
6.“Combat readiness and VA benefits are my top priorities. Like many Veterans, I love this country and have zero trust in our government. Anyone with a ‘D’ or an ‘R’ after their name ultimately cares nothing about the public or those who have served and sacrificed for this country. They are elected to serve. They do the dance for the election cycle and then just follow orders from their respective party, not their constituents.”
7.“Trump literally has no respect for active military and Veterans. I rely on my VA disability benefits to survive, andTrump’s 2025 plan would limit, if not abolish, access to these benefits.I’m also tired of men making decisions about women’s bodies.”
8.“My biggest concern is the possibility of another war. I believe Trump is a dangerous man. I believe Harris will make the best decisions for our country and our allies. My husband is also an 11-year Veteran and feels the same way. My ex-husband is an eight-year Veteran and will also be voting for Harris.”
9.“I cannot, in good faith, support someone like Tim Walz, who hasrepeatedly misrepresented his rankand claimed to be a combat Veteran. That is flat-out stolen valor. I’m not arguing his years of service, but EVERY person that served knows exactly what their Rank was when they exited.”
10.“I’m supporting VPOTUS Harris. She has demonstrated respect for the rule of law over her long, distinguished career. As a Veteran, I fought to protect our country and our values”"
11.“I simply dislike Trump’s perception of what he thinks he is and can do. His attitude toward military personnel and veterans is skewed by the fact that he was a silver spoon heir."
12.“The character of the commander-in-chief is most important. Kamala and Tim care about veterans and everyone else. Donald only cares about himself and his rich friends. Further, I truly believe that if allowed, he would use the military to punish those that disagreed with him and/or to stay in power past his four-year term.”
13.“Passing theMajor Richard Star Actis my top priority. I’m voting for Trump because he is the only one actually qualified to be president. A vote for Harris and the phony Walz will likely bring us closer to communism and could get us into WW III if Biden doesn’t before the election.”
14.“I have fears of the US slowly turning into an authoritarian theocracy under conservative rule. I am concerned with policies over the years from conservatives that seem to show a propaganda love of active duty service members while simultaneously dismissing or neglecting Veterans.”
15.“Trump intentionally hid secret documents, lied, and has been very disrespectful to the Veteran community. If I had ever had a commander behave like that, they would have been reprimanded and relieved of command! Also, how can he keep his security clearance after being a convicted criminal?”
16.“Our national security is my top priority, especially regarding our southern border. From what I’ve seen, the Democratic platform is extremely weak on illegal immigration.”
17.“I’m voting for Kamala Harris because I know that Trump doesn’t respect the Constitution. I raised my right hand to defend it. Also, he’s a draft dodger; he has called us suckers and losers and is an embarrassment to the USA.”
18.“Sexual assault and harassment that female service members experience at such a high rateis egregious. This issue needs to be addressed immediately, and resources need to be deployed to those Veterans who continue to suffer from their experiences.”
And finally…
19.“Trump doesn’t belong anywhere near hallowed sites like Arlington or Normandy. He’s done nothing but disparage Veterans and their sacrifices. He’s a traitor. He’s a coward and has absolutely no idea what selfless service is.”
response have been edited for duration / clarity .
