Tulsi Gabbard Casts Lone “Present” Vote on Trump Impeachment

Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard cast the lone “present” vote on the two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.

The House voted 230-197-1 to impeach Trump for abuse of power and 229-198-1 to impeach him for obstruction of Justice. Gabbard cast the only “present” vote on both.

“I am standing in the center and have decided to vote 'present,'” she said in a statement. “I could not in good conscience vote against impeachment, because I believe President Trump is guilty of wrongdoing. I also could not in good conscience vote for impeachment, because removal of a sitting president must not be the culmination of a partisan process fueled by tribal animosities that have so gravely divided our country.”

Gabbard wants censure instead of impeachment:

“Trump has violated public trust. Congress must be unequivocal in denouncing the president’s misconduct and stand up for the American people and our democracy," she said. "To this end, I have introduced a censure resolution that will send a strong message to this president.”

“I’ve always worked to do what is in the best interest of our country — not what’s best for me politically, not what’s best for my political party,” she added. “One may not always agree with my decisions, but everyone should know that I will always do what I believe to be right for the country that I love.”

Gabbard blasted by Democrats:

“That’s just stupid,” former Sen. Claire McCaskill told MSNBC after the vote. “I mean, what is the point? I don’t know what this woman thinks she’s accomplishing by that. I guess getting attention. We’re talking about her, and really we shouldn’t spend any time talking about her.”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also took a shot at Gabbard.

“Today was very consequential, and to not take a stand one way or another on a day of such great consequence to this country, I think is quite difficult. We are sent here to lead,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., told BuzzFeed News. “Whenever we have a vote, we should vote ‘yes,’ and we should vote ‘no.’ Voting ‘present’ is a very tough position to be in. To not take a stand in a moment that is so consequential — I think it’s quite difficult.”

 

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