Former U.S. Congresswoman and presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard believes American politics has become “toxic” and should return to the days when people “stand on the substance” of their ideas.
Gabbard, who represented Hawaii for four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, left the Democratic Party in 2022 and has been associated with more conservative ideas and causes since then.
Recently, Gabbard attended the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, D.C., where she spoke to the Hilliary Media Group about American politics today and where she is going with her career. This was Gabbard’s second year to attend the CPAC. She was one of the featured speakers last year when she was still a part of the Democratic Party.
“I was surprised at the welcoming reception I received,” she said. “I was a Democrat who was not running for Congress again. I’m happy to be invited back.”
Gabbard, who is now a paid contributor to the Fox News Channel, said it’s critical that people understand they may not always agree with each other, “but that’s OK.”
Unfortunately, Gabbard said, Washington, D.C. politics has turned into a scene where “you’re on this team or that team.” She said the idea that all elected officials represent America is no longer recognized. Gabbard also urged Americans not to be “siloed or divided” by the issues, but rather come together to find solutions. Americans should recognize the bonds that “bring them together” and focus on those instead of the negative feelings and attitudes that permeate the political world.
At this point in her life, Gabbard said she is focusing on a path of service while making a “positive impact” on others.
“I’ve never seen politics as a career,” she said.
Gabbard served in the Hawaii Legislature and the Honolulu City Council before being elected to Congress in 2013. She was the first female combat veteran to run for president. Gabbard currently holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves.