Rep Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI): The Democratic Party Needs Change
Alabama is a deeply red state, but Democrats snagged their first Senate seat in two decades this week, when Doug Jones beat out former State Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore. But the highly controversial win is a sign that Democrats need to return to their core values, one congresswoman told Cheddar.
“[The Party] for years now has become more beholden to the elite powerful few and special interest, rather than actually representing the broad Democratic values that exist in the grassroots across the country,” Rep Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), told Cheddar.
Many politicians called constituents to go out and vote during this election, particularly because Moore was accused of predatory behavior with women and minors. Notwithstanding, during the elections President Donald Trump called on to constituents to go out and vote for Moore. Pundits also considered this election important because Republicans held the Senate majority with 52 seats, and this win gives Democrats some leverage ahead of elections in the coming year.
Gabbard, however, gives credit to the American people for Jones’ win and not the Democratic party.
“What you see are people saying my vote matters, my vote will make a difference,” she said.
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/rep-tulsi-gabbard-d-hi-net-neutrality-decision-will-hurt-the-small-guy).
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