Former Starbucks CEO and potential independent presidential candidate Howard Schultz apologized Thursday after claiming he spent more time with the military than any other 2020 contender.
The 2020 Democratic field includes Pete Buttigieg, an Afghanistan War veteran, and Tulsi Gabbard, an Iraq War veteran. Both are 37. Schultz, 65, has never served in uniform.
“I probably have spent more time in the last decade certainly than anyone running for president with the military,” Schultz said on conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt’s radio show when asked about his competence to run the American military.
Pete Buttigieg, mayor of South Bend, Ind., shot back via Twitter. “I remember a Green Beans Coffee at the exchange at Bagram, and a decent espresso machine run by the Italian NATO element at ISAF HQ. But I don’t recall seeing any Starbucks over there … ”
I remember a Green Beans Coffee at the exchange at Bagram, and a decent espresso machine run by the Italian NATO element at ISAF HQ. But I don’t recall seeing any Starbucks over there… https://t.co/GOkL8Li3r8
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) March 14, 2019
That prompted Schultz to issue an apology to both Buttigieg and Gabbard, a Hawaii congresswoman, who still serves as a member of the Army National Guard.
“Yesterday I gave a speech on failed political leadership in this country. A point I tried to make is that leaders must take responsibility and own their mistakes. Today I said I spent more time with the military than any candidate running for president. That was wrong,” Schultz tweeted. “I apologize to @PeteButtigieg and @TulsiGabbard who served our country honorably. In that moment I made something that should unite us all, about me. I made a mistake and I apologize.”
I apologize to @PeteButtigieg and @TulsiGabbard who served our country honorably. In that moment I made something that should unite us all, about me. I made a mistake and I apologize.
— Howard Schultz (@HowardSchultz) March 14, 2019
Schultz’s potential independent run has been met with fierce backlash from Democrats who fear it could split the vote and allow President Trump to be re-elected. Buttigieg launched a presidential exploratory committee in January and recently appeared on a CNN town hall. Gabbard also announced her candidacy in January.
