'Cutting hairs': Tim Walz speaks on GOP attacks on his family's fertility care

Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, was questioned by CNN's Dana Bash during their joint interview on Thursday evening about the numerous Republican accusations that he distorted various aspects of his personal background.

Walz owned up to "mistakes" — but also insisted people keep sight of the real issues at stake in the election.

"You had to clarify that you had said that you and your wife used IVF, but it turned out you used a different kind of fertility in order to have children," said Bash. "And then when you ran for Congress in 2006, your campaign repeatedly made false statements about a 1995 arrest for drunk and reckless driving. What do you say to voters who aren't sure whether they can take you at your word?"

"Well, I've been very public," said Walz. "I think they can see my students come out, former folks I've served with, and they do vouch for me. I certainly own my mistakes when I make them."

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"The one thing I'll tell you is, I wish this country wouldn't have to do this," said Walz. "I spoke about our infertility issues because it's health, and families know this, and I spoke about the treatments that were available to us that had those beautiful children there. That's quite a contrast. And folks that are trying to take those rights away from us. And so I think people know who I am. They know that record. They've seen that I've taught thousands of students. I've been out there and I won't apologize for speaking passionately, whether it's guns in schools or protecting reproductive rights."

"The contrast could not be clearer between what we're running against, the vice president's position on this ... and I think most Americans get it if you've been through that, I don't think they're cutting hairs on IVF or IUI," said Walz. "I think they're cutting hairs on an abortion ban and the ability to be able to deny families the chance to have a beautiful child."

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