In a recent development that has sparked speculation, Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic representative, delivered a compelling speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), praising former President Donald Trump and warning of the nation's potential decline if he is not re-elected.
This comes on the heels of Trump's confirmation that Gabbard is among his potential Vice Presidential candidates.
Addressing the audience in Washington, DC, Gabbard said, "I've met a lot of strong tough people in my life. I can't think of a single one who could not only withstand all that is coming at Donald Trump without crumbling, but someone who would actually choose to keep fighting against the entire Washington establishment."
Gabbard, who has switched her allegiance from the Democrats, drew a stark contrast between Trump and his successor, whom she once considered a friend. She questioned the current president's ability to handle the pressure that Trump has endured, suggesting that even a fraction of such stress and attacks would cause him to crumble.
The former representative also targeted Nikki Haley, a significant rival of Trump. Haley's claim that Trump is acting solely in his self-interest was met with boos from the crowd. Gabbard countered, "If that were the case, wouldn't he just walk away from all this; walk away from the headaches, and the stress, and the attacks he's enduring right now?"
She continued, "I've gotten a sense for what motivates him, and it's got nothing to do with what the Washington establishment is accusing him of. This is a man who's a fighter; his strength and resilience can only come from one place ... and that's a sincere love and concern for the future of our country and his care for the American people."
Gabbard's endorsement of the former president was met with applause, further fueling speculation about her potential candidacy for the Vice Presidency. Her name has been circulating as a possible VP candidate within and outside conservative circles, and her recent speech has only intensified this speculation.
Ed Kilgore of New York Magazine highlighted the possibility of Gabbard's candidacy, noting that Trump's team is interested in diversifying his coalition by choosing a Vice President who is a woman, a person of color, or someone outside the political establishment - all qualifications that Gabbard meets.
During a Fox News town hall, Laura Ingraham listed potential VPs, and Gabbard's name received the loudest applause. Other names included Vivek Ramaswamy, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota, and Florida Republican Byron Donalds.
In response, Trump said, "Honestly, all of those people are good. They're all good, they're all solid, and I always say, I want people with common sense because there's so many things happening in this country that don't make sense."
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