Why did Tulsi Gabbard leave the Democratic Party and become an independent?

Tulsi Gabbard left the Democratic Party after 20 years because she felt she had exhausted all efforts to reform it and bring it back to its foundational principles. She found the Democrat elite were uninterested in reform and actively rejected such efforts, leading her to become an independent.

Who are the 'elites' that Tulsi Gabbard refers to as running the US government?

Tulsi Gabbard describes the 'elites' as often nameless, faceless, unelected powers. They include individuals in the military-industrial complex, corporate media, and big tech (like Google and Facebook). These are people who derive power from the status quo, leveraging government to serve their own interests rather than the public's.

What is a 'Banana Republic' and how does it relate to the US justice system?

A 'Banana Republic' refers to a country where those in power use law enforcement and the justice system to target political opponents. Tulsi Gabbard fears the US is heading in this direction due to recent actions, such as the prosecution of Donald Trump, which undermine the rule of law and the public's faith in equal justice.

How has Big Tech interfered with elections and free speech, according to Tulsi Gabbard?

Tulsi Gabbard cites personal experiences, such as Google shutting down her AdSense account during a presidential debate, and Instagram/Facebook issuing political bans and suppressing views. She also mentions studies showing how platforms like Gmail filter emails based on political affiliation, demonstrating direct interference in elections and controlling information access.

What is Tulsi Gabbard's perspective on the Russia-Ukraine war and NATO's role?

Gabbard believes NATO's expansion towards Russia's borders, especially the expressed interest in bringing Ukraine into NATO, was a significant contributing factor to Russia's invasion. She views the US government's goal as regime change against Putin, which she argues is counterproductive and has made the US less safe, pushing closer to nuclear conflict.

Why does Tulsi Gabbard believe the current 2024 election has stark choices?

Gabbard views the 2024 election as a critical choice between a Biden/Harris administration that she believes will continue to wage more wars and undermine freedom, and Donald Trump, who she sees as an anti-establishment figure capable of wrestling control from elites and pursuing peace and diplomacy.

What is Tulsi Gabbard's view on the conflict impacting Israel and the rise of antisemitism?

Gabbard believes the conflict is the 'latest front of the Islamists terrorist war,' aiming for Islamic rule over the world and the elimination of Israel. She criticizes leaders for not recognizing this threat or lacking courage to call it out, leading to divisiveness and the spread of pro-Hamas sentiment on college campuses.

Does Tulsi Gabbard support US military intervention in conflicts like Israel's?

Gabbard emphasizes that military involvement should only occur if it serves the best interests of the American people, economically and for security. While she believes the US should support Israel's war against Islamist terrorists, she does not advocate for sending American troops, as she believes it would be counterproductive.

What is Tulsi Gabbard's stance on term limits for politicians?

Gabbard does not advocate for term limits. She argues that term limits shift power and money from elected officials to unelected staff and lobbyists. Additionally, she believes they remove the people's right to choose their representatives and prevent effective politicians from serving longer, without addressing the core problem of special interest money.

How does Tulsi Gabbard propose to reform campaign finance and reduce special interest influence?

Gabbard believes the first step is to remove corporate Political Action Committee (PAC) money and lobbyist money from politics. She argues this would level the playing field for candidates without personal wealth or deep connections, and would prevent politicians from being beholden to defense contractors and other special interest groups.

What are Tulsi Gabbard's concerns about mail-in ballots and voter identification requirements?

Gabbard has serious concerns about preserving integrity with mail-in ballots, citing issues like ballot harvesting and deceased individuals remaining on voter rolls. She strongly advocates for requiring photo identification and proof of US citizenship to vote, believing it's essential for election integrity and finds arguments against it demeaning.

Key Moments

Tulsi Gabbard: Who Actually Runs the U.S. Government (And What We Should do About it)

Codie Sanchez

People & Blogs6 min read105 min video

Jul 16, 2024|36,938 views|1,341|272

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Tulsi Gabbard discusses government control, weaponization of justice, free speech, and citizen power.

Key Insights

The power in the U.S. ultimately rests with the people, not elected officials.

Political figures often resort to personal attacks when they lack substantive arguments, particularly in foreign policy.

The Democratic Party has shifted towards an elitist, warmongering stance, prioritizing power over core American values.

Unelected, faceless powers within the military-industrial complex, big tech, and corporate media significantly influence government decisions.

The weaponization of the justice system, as seen in political targeting, poses a threat to democratic principles and the rule of law.

Technological platforms like Google and Meta can directly interfere with elections and public discourse through censorship and algorithmic manipulation.

The expansion of NATO and U.S. foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding regime change, have contributed to global instability and conflict.

The fight against Islamist terrorism is a critical ideological battle that requires courageous leadership and a defense of freedom-loving societies.

Voter vigilance, critical thinking, and active participation in elections are essential to reclaiming the country from corrupt elites.

True change comes from individual empowerment, collective action, and a return to foundational American principles of liberty and responsibility.

The influence of special interest money and lobbyists corrupts the political process, undermining fair representation and public trust.

Insider trading by politicians and senior staff indicates a conflict of interest and a betrayal of public service.

Requiring voter ID and proof of citizenship is crucial for election integrity, and opposition to these measures is a red flag.

Despite current challenges, the American dream and the potential for positive change remain, provided citizens actively defend their freedoms.

THE ULTIMATE POWER OF THE PEOPLE

Tulsi Gabbard asserts that the ultimate power in the United States resides with "We the People." Government functions only with the consent of the governed, and any perceived abuses of power by those in office—such as crackdowns on free speech or the weaponization of the justice system—stem from their fear of citizens exercising their power to remove them. This highlights the critical role of an informed and engaged citizenry in maintaining a healthy democracy.

POLITICAL RHETORIC AND PERSONAL ATTACKS

Gabbard discusses how political figures, particularly those representing the "swamp creatures" in Washington, often resort to smear tactics and ad hominem attacks when substantive debate is avoided. She notes that criticism from figures like Hillary Clinton and Mitt Romney, who embody this "war-mongering uni-party," can often be a sign of taking the right path. This deflection from policy discussions to personal insults serves to scare others from speaking truth and impacts the open marketplace of ideas vital to democracy.

DEPARTURE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Explaining her departure from the Democratic Party, Gabbard describes it not as a dark moment but as an opportunity to maximize positive impact. She details the party's shift towards an "elitist cabal of warmongers fueled by cowardly wokeness," which she found increasingly detrimental. Her resignation as DNC Vice Chair, in part due to the party's perceived rigging of the 2016 primary for Hillary Clinton, and her eventual departure, were driven by a desire to align with principles of peace, liberty, and a return to the founding ideals of America, rather than party affiliation.

THE ROLE OF UNELECTED ELITES AND CORPORATE POWER

Gabbard identifies a powerful, often faceless, group of unelected elites who manipulate Washington from behind the scenes. These individuals, often entrenched in the military-industrial complex, corporate media, and big tech, derive their power from maintaining the status quo and working to serve their own interests, not those of the people. This influence is visible across both political parties, demonstrating a systemic issue where government serves powerful interests rather than the public good.

WEAPONIZATION OF JUSTICE AND ELECTION INTERFERENCE

The interview deeply explores the weaponization of the justice system against political opponents, exemplified by the targeting of Donald Trump, which Gabbard argues pushes the U.S. closer to a Banana Republic. Concerns are also raised about the unchecked power of Big Tech companies like Google and Meta, which can directly interfere in elections through censorship, algorithmic manipulation, and suppression of information, posing a significant threat to democratic processes and the free exchange of ideas.

FOREIGN POLICY, WAR, AND NATIONAL INTERESTS

Gabbard critically examines U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning the war in Ukraine, arguing that NATO expansion and the pursuit of regime change have destabilized regions and undermined American security. She contends that endless wars benefit military contractors and elites but harm ordinary citizens and push the world closer to nuclear conflict. The focus should always be on peace, diplomacy, and actions that genuinely serve America's best interests.

THE THREAT OF RADICALISM AND IDEOLOGICAL WARFARE

The conversation touches on the global threat of Islamist terrorism, equating groups like Hamas to ISIS and Al-Qaeda, and emphasizing their shared goal of world dominance. Gabbard stresses that this is an ideological war that requires truth and courage to combat. She criticizes leaders for failing to identify and address this threat, leading to appeasement and enabling the spread of radicalism, which she sees as a direct danger to freedom-loving societies and the extermination of Jewish people and Israel.

DEFENDING FREEDOM AND THE IMPORTANCE OF VOTING

Despite the numerous challenges, Gabbard maintains hope, grounded in the power of the individual citizen and the foundational principles of the U.S. Constitution. She urges people to be informed, vigilant, and to use their vote as the ultimate tool to defend freedom. This involves challenging the status quo, speaking truth, and recognizing that the collective power of the people is the greatest force against those who seek to erode liberty and concentrate power.

THE ROLE OF MONEY IN POLITICS AND LOBBYING

The discussion highlights the corrupting influence of special interest money, corporate donations, and lobbyists in politics. Gabbard argues that removing this financial influence is crucial for leveling the playing field, allowing ordinary citizens to compete, and ensuring elected officials focus on public service rather than fundraising. She advocates for prohibiting insider trading by politicians and their staff, viewing it as a fundamental conflict of interest that must be addressed.

ELECTION INTEGRITY AND VOTER PARTICIPATION

Concern is raised about election integrity, with an emphasis on the need for voter ID and proof of citizenship. Gabbard criticizes the opposition to these measures as offensive and potentially indicative of a desire to undermine the electoral process. While acknowledging the importance of using all available legal means to vote, she stresses that fixing election integrity requires electing individuals committed to upholding the Constitution and ensuring fair representation.

FINDING HOPE AND EMPOWERING THE INDIVIDUAL

Gabbard concludes by emphasizing that hope is not lost and that the American dream is still attainable. She believes that by recognizing the power we hold as individuals and collectively, we can turn the country around. This involves taking responsibility, leading by example, and inspiring others to engage in constructive conversations about freedom, liberty, and the future of the nation, recognizing that individual action, combined with others, can create meaningful change.

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Common Questions

Tulsi Gabbard stated that the source of the criticism matters. If it comes from 'war-mongering uni-party' figures like Hillary Clinton and Mitt Romney, she views it as a positive sign. She also believes such attacks are intended to deter others from speaking truth, thereby impacting the marketplace of ideas. She focuses on the substantive issues rather than personal insults.