One of Joe Biden’s rumored vice presidential contenders praised Bowe Bergdahl for serving the country “with honor” in 2014.
The Obama administration secured Bergdahl’s release from Taliban imprisonment in 2014 after he deserted his Army post in 2009 in Afghanistan and was subsequently held hostage. Susan Rice, who was national security adviser for President Barack Obama at the time, was asked during an ABC News interview in 2014 whether Bergdahl would face punishments for deserting his post.
“He is going to be safely reunited with his family. He served the United States with honor and distinction,” Rice responded.
“And we’ll have the opportunity eventually to learn what has transpired in the past years, but what’s most important now is his health and well being, that he have the opportunity to recover in peace and security and be reunited with his family, which is why this is such a joyous day,” she said.
Rice and California Sen. Kamala Harris are reportedly on Biden’s shortlist for his vice president picks after the presumptive Democratic nominee vowed to have his Cabinet “look like America” in regard to race.
Bergdahl pleaded guilty to desertion in 2017 and was sentenced to a dishonorable discharge without prison time.
