Sen. Bernie Sanders called allegations that Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was a foreign asset “outrageous.”
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton claimed on Friday that Gabbard was a “Russian asset” being “groomed” by Russian President Vladimir Putin to be a third-party candidate that could sway the 2020 election toward President Trump.
Gabbard responded by claiming that Clinton has had a vendetta against her since she endorsed Sanders in 2016.
[Related: ‘If the nesting doll fits’: Clinton aide defiant on Tulsi Gabbard ‘Russian asset’ claim]
Hillary & her gang of rich, powerful elite are going after me to send a msg to YOU: “Shut up, toe the line, or be destroyed.” But we, the people, will NOT be silenced. Join me in taking our Democratic Party back & leading a govt of, by & for the people! https://t.co/TOcAOPrxye pic.twitter.com/TahfE2XOek
— Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) October 20, 2019
“People warned me in 2016 that my endorsement of Bernie Sanders would be the end of my ‘political career,’” Gabbard said. “They said that Clinton would never forget.”
Several 2020 Democrats came to Gabbard’s defense, citing her military experience as proof of her loyalty to the United States.
Sanders came to Gabbard’s defense Monday, calling Clinton’s allegation “outrageous.”
Tulsi Gabbard has put her life on the line to defend this country. People can disagree on issues, but it is outrageous for anyone to suggest that Tulsi is a foreign asset.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) October 21, 2019
Gabbard resigned from her post as the vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee in 2016 to endorse Sanders.
