Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker took a page out of President Donald Trump’s playbook Thursday, calling on all NFL players to stand during the national anthem.
Walker’s tweets elicited a quick comeback from the Democratic lieutenant governor candidate, who questioned Walker’s patriotism and asked why he never served in the military.
The back-and-forth played out in a series of tweets that came hours before the Thursday night kickoff of the NFL season. Walker, a Republican seeking a third term, punctuated one message with a cartoon image of himself known as a bitmoji in front of an American flag, hand on heart.
With the NFL season opener tonight, I’m calling on all players to stand up, put their hands on their heart, and show some RESPECT to the brave men and women in uniform — it’s that simple and the least they can do! 🇺🇸
— Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) September 6, 2018
In another tweet , Walker asked whether Democratic candidate for governor Tony Evers supports “NFL players blatantly disrespecting our flag and the Wisconsin men and women in uniform? If he wants to be the leader of our state, he owes them an answer.”
Walker retweeted a January message from Evers’ running mate Mandela Barnes where Barnes posted “Take a knee” in reaction to a story about whether Trump knew the words to the national anthem.
Barnes, who is African American, issued a stinging response , saying that “your president should learn the words” and “you just don’t get it.”
“Also, you could have served in THREE wars, why didn’t you stand up then?” Barnes tweeted to Walker.
Feel free to @ me next time. Also, your president should learn the words. Also, shows you just don't get it. Also, you could have served in THREE wars, why didn't you stand up then? https://t.co/yTunbMWzmc
— Mandela Barnes (@TheOtherMandela) September 6, 2018
Walker, 50, has been in elected office since 1993 when he was 25 years old.
Walker’s campaign had no immediate response. Evers’ campaign also did not immediately respond to questions about whether Evers supports players who kneel during the anthem.
GOP Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch did weigh in, tweeting that “neighbors have told me” Barnes kneels during the national anthem. Barnes responded by calling Kleefisch a liar.
Barnes also posted an image of himself wearing a Colin Kaepernick jersey. The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback began a wave of protests by NFL players two seasons ago, first sitting on the bench and then kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality.
The protests have grown into one of the most polarizing issues in sports, with Trump loudly urging the league to suspend or fire players who demonstrate during the anthem.
Walker first weighed in publicly on the national anthem debate in October, sending a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith that said he believes kneeling players are showing disrespect for the flag and veterans.
I am proud to stand for the national anthem, and I am proud to respect our first amendment rights to peacefully protest. Scott Walker wants to distract and divide us--anything to avoid talking about his record. That’s why we need a change.
— Tony Evers (@Tony4WI) September 6, 2018
