Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump, has emphasized the importance of attracting moderate and undecided voters in the 2024 presidential election. Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022 and became an independent, has been mentioned as a possible VP pick for Trump, although she is considered a long shot.
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Gabbard stressed the need for a running mate who can expand Trump’s base of support. “In order to win, you have to be able to bring in people who may not already be with you or already be a part of your support base,” she said. “This is important, not only for the election, to be able to bring in our fellow Americans, but it is also important to do the tough work that will follow should President Trump win, to be able to actually root out the rot of corruption that exists within permanent Washington, to root out the deep state, root out those who believe that their function in government is more important than the people of this country.” Gabbard asserted that the government should exist to serve the people, not the other way around.
Those who have mentioned Gabbard as a potential option for Trump point to her potential to attract moderates and independents given her more liberal views on certain social positions, as well as her criticisms of the Democratic Party’s shift towards more radical stances. She left the party in 2022, stating, “I can no longer remain in today’s Democratic Party that is now under the complete control of an elitist cabal of warmongers driven by cowardly wokeness, who divide us by racializing every issue & stoke anti-white racism.” Gabbard further elaborated on her reasons for leaving the party in her book, “For Love Of Country: Leave the Democrat Party Behind.”
When asked about her book, Gabbard told Fox News that it was a direct call to action, highlighting the changes she believes have occurred within the Democratic Party. It remains unclear when Trump will announce his running mate, but he has suggested it may happen at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next month. Last week, Trump told Fox News he had made a decision, later stating his pick would be present at his first debate against President Biden, which was held Thursday in Atlanta.
Those on the shortlist who joined Trump in Atlanta included Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, and New York Rep. Elise Stefanik. Gabbard was notably absent from the debate.
