Maryland Governor Wes Moore took the stage at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night, using his speech to highlight his own military service and that of fellow Governor Tim Walz, while also taking a swipe at former President Donald Trump’s lack of military experience.
Moore, who enlisted in the Army at the age of 17, made a pointed reference to Trump’s alleged draft deferment due to bone spurs. “I didn’t have bone spurs,” Moore said, “I had to ask my mom to sign the paperwork for me because I was too young to do it myself.”
Later in his speech, Moore praised Walz as a “fellow veteran, my brother, and the next Vice President of the United States.” He also invoked the military mantra of “counting down the days until mission completion,” telling the crowd that there are just 75 days until Election Day.
Moore’s speech was seen as a moment in the spotlight for the rising star in the Democratic Party. He has been widely touted as a potential future presidential candidate, although he has downplayed such speculation in the past.
In fact, Moore told an interviewer earlier this year that he wasn’t even thinking about higher office, saying “I feel like I’m living a dream right now.” Despite this, his name was floated as a possible vice presidential pick for Vice President Kamala Harris before she ultimately chose Walz.
Moore’s speech also referenced the recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland, which killed six people. He noted that Vice President Harris was one of the first people to call him after the disaster, and praised her for her support.
As Moore’s profile continues to grow, he has faced criticism for allegedly allowing an incorrect narrative to grow about his upbringing. Moore was born in Takoma Park, Maryland, and spent part of his childhood in the Bronx, but has been accused of implying that he was raised in Baltimore. He has denied misleading the public, saying “I don’t think I misled the public at all.”
