Attacks on Senators Hirono & Harris: a Bizarre Way to Open a Presidential Candidacy
This Is What a Narcissist Does When Entering a Room – or a Campaign
By Al Giordano
During a CNN interview last Friday, US Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) said she is running for president – just days after attacking Senators Mazie Hirono, also of Hawaii, and likely 2020 presidential contender Kamala Harris of California over their defense of reproductive rights.
In a moment we’ll separate the wheat from the chaffe of that conflict but first let’s ponder what in the world could Gabbard have been thinking? Did she accidently soil her own 2020 campaign rollout with such a cloud of negativity? Did she reveal a lack of self-discipline or an inability to stay on message? Or was it an intentional move? And if so, what could possibly have been the motive to pick a fight with two popular Asian American Democratic women in the US Senate?
This newsletter would normally refrain from wading into the reeds of a potential candidate’s flaws in the first week of her or his trial balloon, and frankly had Gabbard not attacked a nomination rival she’d still enjoy the honeymoon treatment that most of the rest of the field has gotten in this space.
Every potential nominee deserves a fair hearing – unless and until he or she tries to deny that fair hearing to others. At that point the grace period is over. And Gabbard, as the first contender who came out of the gate trashing others, has forfeited that benefit of the doubt here. (Other 2020 contenders and staff who may be reading this: please take note.)
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