Democratic California Rep. Ro Khanna appeared on NBC News on Sunday to discuss the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, acknowledging that “mistakes” were made but also asserting that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris deserve credit for ending the war.
The conversation took place just days after 13 service members were killed outside Kabul International Airport during the withdrawal, sparking intense criticism of the Biden Administration’s handling of the crisis. Gold Star families gathered at Arlington Cemetery on Monday to honor the fallen soldiers, yet Harris was noticeably absent from the event. On “Meet the Press,” host Kristen Welker pressed Khanna on whether Harris bears responsibility for the disastrous withdrawal.
“There were recommendations that troops should still be stationed there. Do you believe she bears some of the responsibility for some of those key decisions that were made that did lead to that withdrawal which we all witnessed which by all accounts, including Biden Administration acknowledging, was botched?” Welker asked.
Khanna defended Harris, saying she is “proud” of the Biden-Harris record on ending the war in Afghanistan, but also acknowledging that “mistakes” were made.
“I think she is proud of the Biden-Harris record. She deserves credit for ending the war and to the extent that there were mistakes made, of course, she is part of that administration. But you know the difference, Kristen? No one is perfect in government and President Biden’s team himself has acknowledged certain mistakes, but leaders take responsibility and they’re open and they’re honest,” Khanna said.
Welker pushed back, asking if Harris should have been more involved in the decision-making process and if she should have spoken with Gold Star families who have criticized her absence at the ceremony.
“Yes, there were certain mistakes made but the war was ended. That is the big decision she deserves and President Biden deserves credit for,” Khanna responded.
However, it is important to note that both Biden and Harris have faced significant criticism for their roles leading up to the disastrous withdrawal in August 2021. Despite Biden’s repeated denial of being briefed by military leaders who warned against pulling out, his administration’s conflicting messages only added to the chaos and confusion on the ground.
In fact, this weekend, Harris has been increasingly criticized by Gold Star families after she condemned former President Donald Trump for filming at the Arlington Cemetery ceremony, despite her own absence from the event. Eight Gold Star families took to X (formerly known as Twitter) Saturday calling out the vice president for not reaching out to them over the last three years and explaining that it was actually Trump who had been invited.
It is clear that Harris has failed to take responsibility for her actions or lack thereof, and instead has chosen to shift the blame onto others. Gold Star families, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, deserve to be heard and honored by their leaders, not dismissed and ignored. Harris’ absence at the ceremony only highlights her lack of empathy and respect towards those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.
In contrast, Trump has consistently shown his support and respect for the military and their families. During his presidency, he prioritized the safety and well-being of our troops and worked to bring them home safely. On this occasion, he chose to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice by attending the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. His actions speak volumes about his character and commitment to our armed forces.
While Khanna may try to downplay Harris’ role in the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, it is clear that she bears responsibility for the mismanagement and chaos that ensued. Gold Star families have every right to demand answers and accountability from their leaders, and it is disappointing that Harris has chosen to dismiss them. To truly honor our fallen heroes, we must hold our leaders accountable and demand better for our military and their families.