CLAREMONT — Democratic presidential contender Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, of Hawaii, addressed an audience of about 70 at the Claremont Community Center Friday night, focusing her remarks on health care, the environment and national security.
Gabbard has positioned herself as a moderate in the crowded field of candidates and pointed out her ability to work with Republicans — the majority when she was elected to the House seven years ago — to pass legislation.
On national security, Gabbard, a combat veteran with the Army National Guard who served two tours of duty in the Middle East, promised that military spending would be solely to protect the freedoms and liberties in the United States, not sending troops to “unnecessary regime-change wars.”
Recounting a call she made to a widow in Hawaii whose husband was killed recently in Afghanistan, Gabbard said military sacrifices must be in the defense of national security interests.
“We must honor them by ensuring that those willing to pay the ultimate price are only sent on missions that are worthy of their sacrifice, missions that serve our nation’s interests and keep the American people safe,” Gabbard said.
Continuing on the theme of unnecessary military spending, Gabbard said the U.S. has spent $6 trillion to pay for “unnecessary” conflicts since 9/11.
However, Americans are told there is not enough money for health care for every American, education for the nation’s children, teachers’ salaries, infrastructure or clean water, she said.
“Time and time again we are told not enough money to take care of our communities and serve our people,” Gabbard said. “But somehow there is an endless amount of money and a blank check being written, but not to keep our military strong. That is what has to change.”
Gabbard said the most frequent concern she has heard on the campaign trail regards health care. She said families must no longer live in fear of an illness that can bring on catastrophic medical expenses, adding a country with a health care systems that spend more than other industrialized nations but with worse outcomes is unacceptable.
“We have to get rid of this greed-driven health care system that puts the interests of big profits and big pharma ahead of quality health care for people,” Gabbard said. “In my administration, big pharma and big insurance will have no seat at the table.”
Gabbard said she will fight to lower prescription drug prices and allow the production of generics once a patent has expired. She also would guarantee health care and offer a public option to those who don’t have an employer plan or supplemental insurance.
Gabbard began her remarks by stating that the current climate of hyper-partisanship and divisiveness in Washington must be replaced by a return to respectful dialogue.
“That has not happened for a long time in Washington because a political win is more important than a win for the people,” she said. “ ‘We the people’ — that must be the singular focus of the leaders who are elected. Not to serve one party or another.
“As president, you have my personal commitment that I always put people ahead of partisan politics; putting people ahead of special interests and corporate profits.”
Patrick O’Grady can be reached a pogclmt@gmail.com.
