Tulsi Gabbard has broken a lot of records: she was the first American Samoan elected to Congress, she was the first elected Hindu, and she was one of two female combat veterans to join Congress in 2013. Congresswoman Gabbard, who represents Hawaii, sits on the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees, and was the also vice chair for the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
But, she’s also cool, courageous and unapologetic in her defense of policies and practices she believes in—something of a rarity in the political dogma that grips many lawmakers.
In 2012, Gabbard was touted as a new, fresh face in the Democratic field, with top Democrats like Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer calling her, “an emerging star” and “wonderful,” respectively.
Gabbard worked her way into the leadership of the DNC, where she publicly butted heads with the organization’s chairwoman, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
That was not the first, and likely won’t be the last, incident where Gabbard fights for what she believes to be right, even when it flies in the face of institutional structures.
In fact, Gabbard recently resigned from her position at the DNC in February to endorse Bernie Sanders.
“I think it’s most important for us as we look at our choices as to who our next commander-in-chief will be […] to recognize the necessity to have a commander in chief who has foresight, who exercises good judgment,” she said.
“I’d be dishonoring the memory of a lot of folks who I’ve served with who didn’t make it home if I didn’t stand up for what I believe is right and stand up and speak the truth,” Gabbard said in an interview.
Gabbard isn’t like everyone else; and is especially unlike many other politicians. Need proof? Just watch her ride a wave.