Tulsi Gabbard Instagram – “I called out the Democratic Party, saying it was time to get back to its roots of fighting for the little guy, fighting for working people, and protecting the environment, but the party didn’t take kindly to my constructive criticism. There are many examples, but ultimately, I was not a good foot soldier for the party bosses and therefore was seen as a threat to their power. So they worked with their friends in the mainstream media and big tech to do everything possible to shut me up, smear my character, and undermine my campaign. I was in Congress for 8 years. Ultimately, my decision to not run for reelection in 2020 was based on a recognition that dysfunction, partisanship, and divisiveness in Congress had gotten to such a level that I felt I could do more elsewhere. At no point had I ever thought this was a career for me — not back in 2002 when I ran for State House, or when I ran for Congress, or when I ran for President. Some people were surprised that I didn’t run again for reelection because, theoretically, maybe that’s a job I could have kept for another decade. That was never a consideration or a thought that entered my mind because I didn’t see it as just a job. I saw every two years as an opportunity to serve and constantly reassess how and where I could best be of service. At that point in time, I knew it was the right decision. No regrets. I felt that I could be of more positive impact and service elsewhere.” — LTC Tulsi Gabbard (Army, OIF Veteran) @tulsigabbard