PHILADELPHIA — Illinois Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth blasted Donald Trump as unfit to serve as president of the United States during a speech at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday.
Duckworth, a combat veteran running against incumbent Republican Sen. Mark Kirk, told the story of how she lost her legs on a Black Hawk helicopter over Iraq 12 years ago. She said her struggle helped get back up after being knocked down.
“Of course, in Donald Trump’s America, if you get knocked down, you stay down,” Duckworth said. “By the way, Donald Trump, I didn’t put my life on the line to defend our democracy so you could invite Russia to interfere in it. You are not fit to be commander in chief. My fellow Americans: We can choose a different path.”
Duckworth and Kirk’s race in the Land of Lincoln is expected to be competitive and could determine the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
Several obstacles remain in Duckworth’s path, including an upcoming trial in a retaliation lawsuit that accuses her of ethics violations during her time as the head of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. After appearing to accept a settlement two weeks ago, the two women who brought the suit have reportedly decided to go to trial instead.
The trial is reportedly set for August 15, approximately three months before Election Day.
