Hawaii congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is no longer running on the Democratic presidential race.
Tulsi Gabbard did not only step down, but she also expressed her support for Joe Biden. This was considered a surprise act because she was one of few Democrats in Congress to stand behind Bernie Sanders in 2016
“Although I may not agree with the vice-president on every issue, I know that he has a good heart, and he’s motivated by his love for our country and the American people,” Gabbard said.
“I’m confident that he will lead our country guided by the spirit of aloha, respect and compassion, and thus help heal the divisiveness that has been tearing our country apart,” she added.
Gabbard, 38, previously formed an assembly of anti-war Democrats, libertarians, independent voters, and disaffected Republicans. However, she did not get the amount of support that is enough to shake up the standing of other candidates.
She garnered only 16 votes in Iowa and came in seventh in New Hampshire. Moreover, she did not get any vote on Super Tuesday.
Gabbard was campaigning as a progressive, anti-war Democratic candidate. She would often mention her experience as a member of the Hawaii national guard. Her campaign speeches condemned the negative consequences of American wars overseas. She pledged to transfer funds from the military budget to social programs.
In addition, Gabbard and her supporters criticized the media for not giving her enough airtime.
“I want to extend my best wishes to my friends Bernie Sanders, his wife Jane, Nina Turner and their many supporters for the work that they’ve done,” Gabbard said. Turner is the national co-chair of Sanders’ 2020 campaign.
She continued: “I have such a great appreciation for Senator Sanders’ love for our country and the American people and his sincere desire to improve the lives of all Americans.”
