Gabbard Struggles to Woo Senators Ahead of Confirmation Fight
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s push to become the next Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair is facing setbacks as she struggles to woo senators ahead of a likely confirmation fight. Despite meeting with several Democratic senators this week, Gabbard has yet to secure significant support from key lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Gabbard’s lack of national party experience and her high-profile criticism of Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential campaign have raised concerns among some Democrats about her ability to unite the party. Several senators have come out publicly against her nomination, citing concerns about her lack of experience and divisive rhetoric.
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), a former head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told The Hill that Gabbard is “not qualified” for the job and lacks the “experience and judgment” needed to lead the DNC. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), the Senate’s No. 2 Democrat, also expressed reservations about Gabbard’s nomination, saying she has “big shoes to fill” as the party looks to heal from its 2016 election losses.
Gabbard has also faced backlash from some liberal groups and activists, who have questioned her support for progressive issues like Medicare for All, free college tuition, and the Green New Deal. A coalition of progressive groups is planning to send a letter to the DNC urging it to reject Gabbard’s nomination.
Despite the opposition, Gabbard remains confident that she can win over skeptics and secure the nomination. In a statement, she expressed her commitment to “building bridges” and “unifying” the party. But with several senators already pledging to vote against her, Gabbard will need to do more to win over lawmakers and donors if she hopes to capture the DNC chairmanship.