So by that statement you’d decline someone who was ever a democrat? Being close minded is setting yourself up for disappointment. I changed years ago, voted D until I was in my 30’s. Guess I wouldn’t garner your vote if I ran simply based on that. Did you vote for Trump, a former democrat, the first and second time?
No, I would not exclude a former Democrat. I voted for Reagan twice and will vote for Trump a third time. Both former Democrats, they demonstrated by actions and words their conservative credentials.
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Gabbard switched from Democrat to Independent in 2022, but has not made the jump to the Republican party. Her conversion to the middle has been recent; in 2020, she supported the Communist Bernie Sanders. She speaks well about foreign policy, but her views on social and economic issues are still well to the left.
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Gabbard is likeable and a tempting pick. She is not a good complement to Trump and his policies, and so not the choice to be a heartbeat away from the presidency.