On December 9th, US Representative Tulsi Gabbard, D-HI, addressed the Rotary club of Nashua regarding her run for US President. Tulsi welcomed us all with “Aloha” - the spirit of great respect, of love and of compassion - and talked about her campaign focus of service above self.
Tulsi noted the great divides in Washington and shared the story of asking her mom to make macadamia nut brittle for all of the members of Congress, and then for their staff, as a way to introduce herself and begin to form positive relationships within both her own party and the Republicans.
Tulsi spoke of her foreign policy experience, and pointed out that that part of being the President, being the Commander in Chief, is where she brings knowledge and understanding that others running for President don’t share. She feels that foreign policy is domestic policy, because it drives the resources we have as a nation to spend on health care, education, and other areas that impact us here at home. On impeachment, Tulsi is unsure how she will vote, although she believes that some of the issues raised during the process are valid.
In addition to her foreign policy experience, Tulsi believes she is unique because she actually acts to bring the country together, she doesn’t just talk about it. She’s already reaching out to Republicans and Independents during the primary process, because she believes that will help her actually lead as President.