Hey Joe Biden, forget Kamala Harris — choose Tulsi Gabbard as your running mate instead
Photo used with permission under a Creative Commons License
U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard speaking with attendees at the June 2019 California Democratic Party State Convention at the George R. Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, California.
April 15, 2020
Although he lacks extensive media attention, Joe Biden, the presidential candidate nobody wanted to talk about, is now the presumptive Democratic nominee for the 2020 election. And with the general election fast approaching, Biden has been in the process of reviewing prospective vice-presidential running mates. In his selection process, the former vice president must select a partner who is appealing to certain parts of the voter base Biden himself can not connect with.
Although most pundits predict Biden’s choice to be Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Stacy Abrams, or other moderate female candidates in the Democratic party, a more appealing option is Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard who checks all of the boxes for a successful and effective running mate. Gabbard will contribute diversity and vitality to the Democratic presidential campaign, satisfying key constituencies with which Biden lacks traction such as centrist military families.
One major concern expressed against the former Vice President Biden is the fact that he is in his late seventies, often suffering from memory gaffes and incoherent statements. By including a young woman of color like Gabbard, Biden will revive his campaign with fresh new perspectives, undoubtedly appealing to progressive voters, while also reducing anxiety about the age of the executive administration.
With Biden’s history of strong rhetoric regarding the importance of diversity and gender equality, as well as his pledge to choose a female running mate, the public now expects a diverse running mate and would think badly of the vice president for going back on his words.
Another aspect that differentiates Gabbard from other prospective running mates is her service in the Hawai’i army national guard, even taking a one month break from her own presidential bid to serve in Indonesia for the US army. As an officer and an ardent advocate for veterans, she will appeal to veterans and those in active service. Biden, who does not have many connections to the military, will be able to enhance his campaign with Gabbard’s service record, gaining invaluable support from a massive field.
Congresswoman Gabbard also provides an appeal for swing voters: populist or moderate conservatives who will decide the election in 2020. Unlike other Democrats, she often reaches across the aisle, even appearing on Fox News’ Tucker Carlson Tonight. Many voters who might be turned off by the far-left leanings of Biden and previous Democratic candidates will be won over by a vice president who listens to the opinions and concerns of all of America.
Furthermore, Gabbard contributes an outsider perspective to the campaign. Her background as a Hindu Samoan woman from Hawaii will bring ideas to the white house that have never been discussed before. And unlike Biden, Gabbard has not been caught in the stagnation of politics, only being a representative since 2012. Along with an establishment-type candidate on the top of the ticket, Gabbard will round out a campaign that has left a significant voter gap behind.
Finally, she is a committed Democrat who will not undermine Joe Biden’s campaign or, hopefully, his presidency. Despite her moderate bent, she still holds true to core liberal positions, avidly supporting gun control, a woman’s right to choose and environmental protection regulations.
Other options like Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris simply carry too much political baggage to be successful campaigning for Biden. After running their own trying presidential campaigns, they will need to wait another four years to allow the heat of the 2020 election cycle to die down.
And while Gabbard has made enemies among the liberal news, she still is a viable option for vice president. Her actions during her campaign for president may have been questionable in some instances, but her success in Congress demonstrates her capability. Though, as a young politician, she is not experienced enough for the oval office, she will perfectly enhance Joe Biden’s campaign.
As Biden now has the Democratic nomination all to himself, he needs to look ahead to the general election. If he wants to defeat Trump and bring order back to the country, it is imperative that he choose Tulsi Gabbard as his vice-presidential running mate, broadening his coalition to include conservatives and liberals alike.
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I couldn’t agree more with you on Tulsi as VP but I just don’t see the DNC machine open minded enough to allow it to happen. Plus there are a lot of people in America that weren’t allowed to get on the Tulsi train because the establishment media blocked her campaign from all directions.
Maybe if enough people read your article they will pause and realize you are onto something. Nice job!
If Tulsi was VP I would vote Democrat – otherwise, no chance in hell.
Gabbard as VP is a stunning idea! She already has the smarts to make sure the government does what is right, and some higher-level experience will do her(and the country) a lot of good.
And she is military! One of our (military) favorite expressions is, “I got your six.” Meaning, I’ll watch your back.
Great Article. More content like this please Congresswoman Gabbard deserves the highlight!
If Joe would have Tulci for his running mate I would vote for him.
Brent you are 100% correct! Tulsi would be a great VP for Biden. Good Article!
There is no better candidate I’d rather see be Veep than Tulsi at this point. BUT………..if she joins Joe,, what are the chances she’s forced to compromise those principles that we ALL love because she’s not calling the shots? Because once you cross the line there’s no coming back.
I’d rather see her be chosen to take over the entire race because …………Joe isn’t going to make it
This from a high school student? Bravo! Very well written. Should be handed in huge print to the Democratic Party!
First of all, if Biden did anything of that sort he’d lose the ENTIRE LGBT community. Saying sorry isn’t enough when you’re in the running for vice president.
Second of all, this is written as if Biden is some sort of out of pocket progressive. As far as I’m concerned, Joe Biden is one of the most wishy woshy moderate candidates that can’t even swallow basic concepts like universal healthcare— which is THE MINIMUM of progressivism in most other countries.
Lastly, swing voters are not the key to winning the election and the democratic party cannot afford time make that mistake again. We have seen over and over and over again that focusing on voter turn out on the liberal base the democratic party already has. Just a reminder, only about a third of eligible voters actually cast their ballots when it comes down to it. If Joe Biden wants to win like Obama like he keeps saying over and over, he needs to focus on creating a revolutionary democrat voter turnout like Obama did in 2008. To do that you need someone charismatic and powerful who can really rally and rile up the democrats. That’s why strong women like Warren, Abrams, and Harris are my top picks.
I don’t know whether this will make you people happy or not, but … I can report, from the other side of the barricades, that there are a lot of us on the Right who think a lot of Major Gabbard.
For us, she’s a kind of anti-Hillary: sincere, and not committed to the corporate-permanent-cold-war/America-as-world-policeman model that many of us have rejected — in some cases because we were always that kind of conservative, in other cases because the last twenty years or so of bringing liberal democracy to the tribes of Iraq and Afghanistan have been a kind of mugging by reality. Her honorable military service in that Fool’s Errand is another plus.
Whether or not that would cause a significant number of us to vote for the Democratic ticket is another matter, but, depending on the nature of the Republican ticket, it might cause people on my side to stay at home. A lot of Mr Trump’s initial support came from his hints that he would realign American foreign policy. He has been inconsistent here. What his foreign policy stance will look like in November is anyone’s guess.
But of course it’s all moot. Major Gabbard will not be allowed anywhere near power by thd DNC, and in fact, I would suggest she hire a taster at the convention, as well as taking her body armor out and wearing it.
I would love Gabbard on the ticket but DNC will try to keep her out.
1 She has integrity
2 Better equipped to take over as Commander and chief spot if Joe crashes and burns
3 She is a fighter took out feared Kamala Harris
4 She could bring over some progressives votes
5 She would help with Independents and Moderate Conservatives
6 a Major in Hawaii Natl. Guard 18 yrs two deployments to Middle east
7 Former City Councilman in Honolulu
8 She was friends with Beaux Biden
9 Sh e did not attack Biden in the Debates
10 Served 7years in the House with some very strong committee assignments Young
11 She was courageous to admit she was wrong in 2011 on LGBT Issues
12 Indepedant thinker on Impeachment vote that took Guts
13 Pointed out unfair practices in support of Bernie in 2016
14 Not part of the elite Left
15 Healthy and vibrant
TULSI2024 !or 2028!
In response to Anand Chitnis: No, he wouldn’t lose the entire LGBT community. I am LGBT and Tulsi was and is my first pick for both President and VP. Watch a few of her town halls. There is a sizable LGBT component to the audience and are often her most avid supporters. We are not a grudge holding segment of the population. Her apology was sincere and those of us with good hearts have chosen to forgive her for any prejudices of youth that she has walked away from.
And yes, the independent community is extremely important. They Matter. Look at how much of the population identifies as I, D, and R. I think you will be shocked.
She also appeals to veterans and Republicans whose first concern is keeping us out of unnecessary wars.
And finally, she is an awesome orator and debater as well as a level-headed person whom the youth can look forward to. The only reason she didn’t do better is because the media came out in full force against her because they are pro-war and pro-military industry (some of the people that pay their exorbitant salaries).
The reality of the matter is that she would turn away very few denocrats who want Trump gone and would bring in a vastly greater amount of middle conservatives and independents looking for an alternative.
Tulsi for VP all day!!!!
I love this inspirational article and comments
Excellent article and excellent perspectives from multiple sources. Gabbard’s platform was based on peace, love and unity. She listens and she is willing to cross the lines of partisanship. The DNC and the media should all be ashamed for quieting a voice that all Americans should be allowed to hear. She was by far the best candidate for President. Regarding a VP position, it would only make sense for all the liberals to reconsider, especially the DNC. Since COVID-19, the democrats have spoke often in regards to the “new normal”. Picking any candidate other than Tulsi would not equal a new normal as she is the only candidate that would offer all Americans a shining light and a refreshing view of politics that we might not otherwise see in our entire lifetime. Regardless of any polls, Tulsi is and was the people’s choice AND… shouldn’t the choice be OURS to make?? “We the People of the United States”. Any VP selection other than Gabbard will result in the loss of my vote as she represents ALL Americans vs one political party. She is rock-solid, respected, and she offers the Democratic Party the “new normal” that they are or should be searching for…
If Biden chose Tulsi I would vote for him despite not being able to stand him and then hope he was found unfit for office so she could become President!
Been saying this all along. Biden needs to expand his base not just strengthen blue states he has already in the bag. If Biden wins only the same states as Hillary, Trump will numerically win again. Tulsi has the pull to swing battleground states and topple Trump. Her motive was always to embrace and unify both parties and this is where her efforts pay off. She will turboboost Biden whereas the other candidates will scare away transitional voters and cost him crucial votes. Tulsi is all win. She will deter nobody. Plus she’s extremely intelligent, likable, honest, and strong. A 68W combat medic and a true American patriot. Biden~Gabbard 2020 !!!!!
Tulsi for Biden’s Vice President. Biden – Gabbard 2020
way to go! i wholeheartedly applaud. i thought i was alone out there. does your generation share your opinion? we need you. many thanks for a well-written article!
Congresswoman Gabbard would give new meaning to the Democratic Party.
It would also give Hope to Young American and more so to Black and Brown People in the world.
Thank you Brent for your insight.
I’m British, so not voting in your election, but I really, really hope Biden chooses Tulsi. The world would be a much safer and better place. Thank you very much for a great article.
A veteran and minority woman that brings new blood in the party and will serve her country rather than think of her own agenda (like Kamala Harris). TULSI for VP!!
I couldn’t agree more! I have been saying this throughout the Democratic Primary season: Tulsi Gabbard is the PERFECT Vice Presidential candidate. She is a person of integrity and decency; voters know that she means what she says and says what she means. Her military service can convince those Centrists and conservative Trump critics that the Democrats really are patriotic. Gabbard also has a position on abortion (supports Roe v. Wade but thinks third trimester abortions should only be allowed for mother’s life) that resonates with the vast majority of Americans. I really hope Biden’s people are reading this. A Biden-Gabbard ticket virtually guarantees Trump’s defeat in November!
Tulsi Gabbard, I vote Democradtic if Tulsi is VP
I’m British, so I won’t be voting in your election, but I really, really hope Biden chooses Tulsi. The world would be a much safer and better place. Thank you very much for a great article.
It wont happen. Its the same thing with Hillary. The Democrats want things one way and if they dont have it that way they throw a fit and try to use the media and everything else to change it. Moderates arnt going to vote for Biden. Trump (even though i hate saying it) is still the better option. Biden needs tulsi as a running mate. If not i wont vote for him. I would rather have Trump.
I ill vote for Biden if he chooses Tulsi to be his VP.
Tulsi Gabbard would pull swing votes without question. I personally get her message clear as a bell. Independent myself.
If Tulsi Gabbard is Biden’s running mate I will definitely switch my vote to Democrat, but that is the only way. She is the best candidate to beat Trump.
I believe Tulsi Gabbard has the greatest drawing power for those who want change but are hesitant about Mr. Biden and the democratic party including the cross overs from the republican party. She appeals to the older male population who have served in the military who would never have voted for a women before. She is a minority, has experience in military and foreign policy which would serve the party. She has the ability to get funds and loyalty. She is intelligent, informed, poised and able to work with all parties.
Choosy Tulsi
Tulsi attracts the Moderates and Conservatives who do not like Trump. The AOC liberals who hate her will still vote for a Biden/Gabbard ticket over Trump/Pence every day of the week. Without Tulsi on the ticket, many of us Independents will stay home. Biden needs her.
I completely agree. Let’s get the message out!
I’d vote for Biden if Tulsi was his VP. Otherwise I’ll probably vote third party again.
Biden would most likely not choose Gabbard as he would fear that she would overshadow him before the election; much like Palin did with McCain. Gabbard has a very fluent delivery of her words and beliefs, and that could contrast badly with the speaking struggles of one seeming to enter the onset of Alzheimer’s. I would personally not like to see this choice happen because I believe it would strengthen Biden’s chances of winning; as Gabbard would draw in the more moderate vote that Trump would depend upon to win. Gabbard does posses one quality that most on the liberal side do not exhibit these days: the willingness to sincerely listen to what someone in the other end of your viewpoint thinks, and to respectfully dialogue with them as an adult. This all with the novel premise to perhaps reach some sort of consensus between two sides; instead of berating an opponent as a mere enemy; not worthy of even cordial consideration. The DNC revenge-suppression that Gabbard experienced throughout her campaign would finally disappear, and those that had not noticed her would then see her for the artful purveyor of a more 90’s toned democratic politics, that might appeal to larger, mid-lined masses than that brand pushed by Jittery Joe.
Just some thoughts….
Biden would most likely not choose Gabbard as he would fear that she would overshadow him before the election; much like Palin did with McCain. Gabbard has a very fluent delivery of her words and beliefs, and that could contrast badly with the speaking struggles of one seeming to enter the onset of Alzheimer’s. I would personally not like to see this choice happen because I believe it would strengthen Biden’s chances of winning; as Gabbard would draw in the more moderate vote that Trump would depend upon to win. Gabbard does posses one quality that most on the liberal side do not exhibit these days: the willingness to sincerely listen to what someone in the other end of your viewpoint thinks, and to respectfully dialogue with them as an adult. This all with the novel premise to perhaps reach some sort of consensus between two sides; instead of berating an opponent as a mere enemy; not worthy of even cordial consideration. The DNC revenge-suppression that Gabbard experienced throughout her campaign would finally disappear, and those that had not noticed her would then see her for the artful purveyor of a more 90’s toned democratic politics that might appeal to larger, mid-lined masses more than that brand pushed by Jittery Joe.
Just some thoughts….
Biden would most likely not choose Gabbard as he would fear that she would overshadow him before the election; much like Palin did with McCain. Gabbard has a very fluent delivery of her words and beliefs, and that could contrast badly with the speaking struggles of one seeming to enter the onset of Alzheimer’s. I would personally not like to see this choice happen because I believe it would strengthen Biden’s chances of winning; as Gabbard would draw in the more moderate vote that Trump would depend upon to win. Gabbard does posses one quality that most on the liberal side do not exhibit these days: the willingness to sincerely listen to what someone in the other end of your viewpoint thinks, and to respectfully dialogue with them as an adult. This all with the novel premise to perhaps reach some sort of consensus between two sides; instead of berating an opponent as a mere enemy; not worthy of even cordial consideration. The DNC revenge-suppression that Gabbard experienced throughout her campaign would finally disappear, and those that had not noticed her would then see her for the artful purveyor of a more 90’s toned democratic politics that might appeal to larger, mid-lined masses; more than that brand pushed by Jittery Joe.
Just some thoughts….
As an independent I will NOT vote for Biden if he chooses Harris… she is total political sleeze… On the other hand, Gabbard – although a liberal and former Bernie supporter – marches to her own drum. The Clinton faction hate her because of that – keeping in mind she quit the DNC after she protested on how Bernie was treated in 2016. There has been an ongoing feud with Hillary ever since. So, if Biden wants to court the Bernie faction, he would do well to pick Gabbard, who will get their support as well as the support from many independents and moderate conservatives who won’t vote for Trump… Otherwise they will either just stay at home or hold their noses and vote for Trump.
It would be so refreshing to see Tulsi on the world stage instead of those other idiots
YES! Choose Tulsi! I was so happy to vote for her in the primary in PA. If she is in the ticket I would be a very happy Democrat and I know so many people who would cross the isle to vote Democrat for the first time.
Godspeed Tulsi Gabbard Ma’am. We are with you here 😉
I share the same sentiment as many here with regard to voting for Trump unless Biden would choose Tulsi for VP. I’m a life-long progressive in the truest sense of that — which is to say I am in no way a liberal that believes in neo-liberal policies, identity politics or an affect towards wasting money on defense because you don’t have the courage to say enough is enough of that pork-barrel socialism on corrupt agencies in service of the private sector. As much as I dislike Trump on his continued waste on military spending, at least he’s made some attempt to get us really out of Afghanistan and has nowhere near the horrific record on foreign policy spending and regime change as his predecessors.
Life long Democrat writing in Tulsi Gabbard anyway. I will only vote for Biden if he choses her. I put the chances of that at 0.00001%. Remember it is only a protest vote if you show up and vote! Know your values and get involved. Sorry to say this but the Dems will lose without Tulsi.
Life long Democrat. Tulsi as V.P. is the only way I vote Biden. Writing in Tulsi as a protest vote anyway.
One party system is destroying our democracy.
Check out Jacinda Ardern from new Zealand. Her party was lagging well behind the governing party yet only 3 months from the election when she became leader of the opposition and ended up getting into power.
The lesson to be learnt. Tulsi Gabbard is similar age and similar profile. Appeals to voters.
Democrats need Republican swing voters. Gabbard is one of the few that will get them.
Major/Congresswoman Gabbard was the best presidential candidate I’ve seen in almost 50 years of voting, but from the day she announced her candidacy, she was met with a massive, well-orchestrated, and likely well-funded smear campaign. Some speculate that was launched because of her opposition to our endless wars for profit. My thinking is that she stepped on some toes when she stepped down from her position as vice-chair of the DNC in February of 2016 to support Bernie Sanders over Hillary Clinton who had already been selected as the party’s nominee long before the primaries began.
Excellent article. Coming from a high school student, that is awesome. This is what America is about. You will go on to be inspired by Tulsi Gabbard and do great things for this country. Tulsi Gabbard brings a perspective that is the need of the hour in the perfecting of the union. She is one who can bring the Republicans and the Democrats together and talk with each other as Americans. The polarization by politics will dissolve and we can be America as we know it in our hearts. Not just Joe Biden but all of America gains from him picking Tulsi Gabbard as his running mate. Picking Tulsi Gabbard will also send a strong signal that Biden is progressive. It is a win-win-win situation.
I read the article and I totally agree I follow
Tulsi Gabbard during the campaign she’s qualified to VP 100% brave not cropped
Clear vision Tulsi Will be future woman president of the United States of America.
Even Republicans like Tulsi
I completely support this. I would vote for Biden in a heartbeat if the party stepped out of their box a little bit and supported an open minded and qualified candidate.
I love this article! I agree that Tulsi is the best pick for VP but she would be awesome as SOS. She should have been our Democratic nominee based on experience, intelligence, knowledge of foreign policy and environmental issues. I say we end the DNC! Our vote will never matter until then.
Honest genuine Americans like Tulsi Gabbard don’t have chance. A corrupt oriented political system won’t allow it.
It is embedded in the machinery of extreme capitalism and selfishness. A self-centered system to sustain it’s weakness of fair, just policies. It won’t change until it’s run its course.