Howard Schultz apologizes to his veteran rivals of the 2020 war for stating that he "had spent more time" with the military than with them

FOmer Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, a potential independent presidential candidate, apologized on Thursday for having spent more time in the military than any other candidate in the 2020 program.

Pete Buttigieg, a veteran of the Afghanistan war, and Tulsi Gabbard, a veteran of the Iraq war, are part of the 2020 Democrats. Schultz, 65, has never served in uniform.

"I've probably spent more time in the last decade than anyone running for the presidency of the military," Schultz told Conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt's radio show, questioned about his ability to lead the presidency. American army.

Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend, Ind., Responded via Twitter. "I remember a green bean coffee at the Bagram Stock Exchange and a decent espresso machine run by the Italian NATO element at ISAF headquarters. But I do not remember seeing Starbucks there … "

This prompted Schultz to apologize to Buttigieg and Gabbard, a Hawaiian congressman, who is still a member of the National Army Guard.

"Yesterday I made a speech about the failure of political leadership in this country. What I have tried to say is that leaders must assume their responsibilities and take responsibility for their mistakes. Today, I said that I had spent more time in the military than any presidential candidate. It was wrong, "Schultz tweeted. "I apologize to @PeteButtigieg and @TulsiGabbard who served our country with honor. At that time, I did something that should unite us all, about me. I made a mistake and I apologize.

The potential independent candidate for Schultz has been sharply criticized by Democrats who fear dividing the vote and allowing President Trump to be re-elected. Buttigieg created a Presidential Exploratory Committee in January and recently appeared at a CNN City Hall. Gabbard also announced his candidacy in January.