Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence defended his running mate in a statement Sunday night, blaming President Obama and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton for their “disastrous decisions” in the Middle East.
{mosads}Pence, the governor of Indiana, said both he and GOP nominee Donald Trump believe Capt. Humayun Khan, who died in Iraq in 2004, “is an American hero and his family, like all Gold Star families, should be cherished by every American.”
Trump sparked controversy late last week when he lashed out at the captain’s father, Khizr Khan, over his speech at the Democratic National Convention, which was critical of Trump.
Pence’s statement aimed to move forward from Sunday’s criticism of Trump that came from all sides.
“Captain Khan gave his life to defend our country in the global war on terror. Due to the disastrous decisions of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, a once stable Middle East has now been overrun by ISIS. This must not stand,” Pence said.
“By suspending immigration from countries that have been compromised by terrorism, rebuilding our military, defeating ISIS at its source and projecting strength on the global stage, we will reduce the likelihood that other American families will face the enduring heartbreak of the Khan family.”
Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) both released statements calling Khan a hero earlier Sunday, while Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Trump’s comments crossed a line.
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) called Ryan and McConnell “spineless” for refusing to revoke their endorsements Trump.