Former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard endorses Trump, signaling potential role in his administration.
At a Glance
- Tulsi Gabbard, former Democratic presidential candidate, endorses Donald Trump
- Gabbard expresses willingness to serve in a potential second Trump administration
- Trump appoints Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to his transition team
- Gabbard praises Trump’s foreign policy and efforts to avoid new wars
- Move highlights growing bipartisan support for Trump’s campaign
Gabbard’s Endorsement and Potential Role
In a surprising turn of events, former Democratic congresswoman and presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard has officially endorsed Donald Trump for the upcoming 2024 election. Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022, made her endorsement at the National Guard Association of the United States’ 146th General Conference in Detroit, Michigan.
Gabbard’s endorsement comes as Trump appointed her and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to his transition team. This move signals a potential role for Gabbard in a second Trump administration, should he win the election. The transition team, which includes Trump’s sons and running mate JD Vance as honorary co-chairs, is responsible for selecting political appointees and setting priorities for the incoming administration.
Tulsi Gabbard says she'd be 'grateful to serve' in a second Trump administration: 'Help him save our country'https://t.co/mvgkhYM0du
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) August 28, 2024
Gabbard’s Shift in Political Allegiance
Gabbard’s journey from Democratic presidential hopeful to Trump supporter has been marked by significant shifts in her political stance. Once known for endorsing Bernie Sanders in 2016 and supporting liberal policies during her own 2020 presidential run, Gabbard has since adopted more conservative views on various issues.
“If given that opportunity, I would be grateful to serve and help him save our country and get us back towards that future for all Americans,” Gabbard said Tuesday on “Kudlow.”
Her departure from the Democratic Party in 2022 was attributed to what she termed as the party’s “wokeness.” Since then, Gabbard has rebranded herself as a celebrity among Trump’s base, even being considered as a potential running mate at one point.
Contrasting Trump and Harris
In her endorsement, Gabbard drew a stark contrast between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, who is expected to be on the Democratic ticket in 2024. Gabbard criticized Harris for what she perceives as a record of undermining freedoms and potentially leading the country into war.
“Frankly, to put it simply, the choice for the American people is a choice with Donald Trump — a man who values peace, prosperity and freedom, and he has a record that proves that — and Vice President Kamala Harris, whose record shows an increasingly tyrannical government undermining our freedoms,” Gabbard told FOX Business guest host David Asman.
Gabbard, an Iraq War veteran, particularly praised Trump’s foreign policy and his efforts to avoid new wars during his administration. This stance aligns with her long-standing critique of interventionist foreign policies, a position she maintained even during her time as a Democrat.
Bipartisan Support and Criticism
Trump’s senior advisor Brian Hughes highlighted the bipartisan support for Trump’s campaign, pointing to the appointments of Gabbard and Kennedy as evidence. However, top Democrats have dismissed these endorsements, criticizing Trump’s focus on gaining support from what they termed extremists.
“Of course, we have plenty of honest, ideological disagreements with Vice President Harris and Gov Walz. That’s to be expected. The alternative, however, is simply untenable.” – https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgm7n0xgnzzo
The move has not been without controversy. Over 200 Republicans, including former staffers for George HW Bush, George W. Bush, John McCain, and Mitt Romney, have endorsed Trump’s rival, Kamala Harris. These Republicans have expressed concerns that another Trump administration would endanger American democracy.
As the 2024 election approaches, Gabbard’s endorsement and potential role in a Trump administration underscore the fluid nature of political allegiances and the ongoing realignment of American politics. Whether this bipartisan approach will resonate with voters remains to be seen, but it certainly adds an intriguing dimension to an already contentious election cycle.
Sources:
1. Trump adds ex-Democrats Gabbard and RFK Jr to transition team
2. Trump to Put Kennedy and Gabbard on His Transition Team
