Republicans Rally Around Gabbard

There should be no question about Tulsi Gabbard’s patriotism, particularly given her distinguished service to our country, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) emphasized during a recent appearance on Fox News Sunday. The Arkansas senator made it clear that while it’s appropriate for individuals to debate policy differences, questioning the character and loyalty of someone like Gabbard is crossing a line.

“I hope that no one would stoop to questioning her love for this country or her integrity,” Cotton said. “Tulsi Gabbard is an American hero—she has served in our military for over two decades, and she’s passed multiple background checks, all of which have been spotless.”

Cotton’s remarks came as Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, prepares for her confirmation hearing for the position of Director of National Intelligence (DNI), a post selected by President Donald Trump. Gabbard’s impeccable record as a public servant includes two combat tours in Iraq as part of the Hawaii National Guard, where she enlisted in 2003. She currently holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the United States Army Reserve.

Unfortunately, some political figures, including Hillary Clinton, have disparaged Gabbard’s loyalty in the past, even labeling her a “traitor.” However, such baseless attacks should not cloud Gabbard’s dedication to serving our nation. With her extensive military experience and background as a thoughtful, independent voice in Congress, Gabbard’s qualifications for the DNI position are beyond reproach.

In the end, having a fierce, experienced patriot like Tulsi Gabbard in charge of our nation’s intelligence could be a powerful step forward for securing America’s future, and it is crucial that partisan politics not obscure that reality.