Republican US Senate candidate from Nevada, Sam Brown, responded strongly to Democrats who labeled the scarred veteran as “plain weird” on social media. The controversy arose when the Nevada Democrats took a screenshot of Brown and JD Vance on a plane, calling them both “plain weird” and “hypocrites.”
“You can’t make this up: Sam Brown and JD Vance are claiming to be champions for hardworking Nevadans – from a private jet. They’re not only hypocrites… they’re just plain weird,” the Nevada Democrats posted. Brown’s face bears significant scars from burns he sustained while serving in the United States Army in Afghanistan in 2008.
In response, Brown posted a video message, saying, “Hey guys, Sam Brown here. We had an incredible day on the campaign trail. But I got home tonight and saw an interesting message from the Democrats here calling my face weird.”
He continued, “It’s not the first time, and it probably won’t be the last time that I’ve been called weird because of my scars. And it’s – I don’t even really have a message for them. I have a message for anyone else out there who has been labeled or called weird because of the experiences that you’ve had. I am proud of my scars. They might look a little different, but it gives me an opportunity to encourage others. So lean into it. Lean into the things that make you unique. Lean into the things that others might call weird, and realize that your experience, whether it’s suffering or something else, gives you an opportunity to connect with others and give them hope.”
Brown also offered a call to others, saying, “Whether it’s visible like my scars or maybe invisible scars, we’re all unique. We’ve all been given gifts, and we have people out there that want to label us based off of that. So, my message to you, to those of you who have been put down by others, is do not allow them to define you. Do not live out the narrative that they cast for your life.”
Brown’s burns occurred in 2008 in Afghanistan when he led his team to support a nearby platoon that had been ambushed. As he entered the battle area, a roadside bomb detonated under his vehicle’s fuel tank, drenching him in diesel fuel and engulfing him in flames. Another soldier saved his life.
In recent days, Democrats have repeatedly labeled Republicans like Vance and Brown as “weird” for various reasons. This messaging comes as Vice President Kamala Harris has entered the 2024 race for the presidency.