Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, after saying on CNN she would soon make a formal announcement of a 2020 presidential bid, was the subject of CNN news story recounting her past opposition to equal marriage rights for gays and her work for an organization that promoted conversion therapy. While she had previously renounced those views, with her sincerity under new examination, she released a video apology.
The Hawaiian congresswoman speaks somberly into the camera, beginning with "Aloha." She immediately calls her past comments and beliefs "wrong, and worse, hurtful to people in the LGBTQ+ community and their loved ones." She insists that "my record in Congress over the last 6 years reflects what is in my heart: A strong and ongoing commitment to fighting for LGBTQ+ rights."
She attributes her past views to her family, particularly her father, a long-time social conservative activist (and current state Senator in Hawaii): "I ... grew up in a socially conservative household, where I was raised to believe that marriage should only be between a man and a woman ... my father was very outspoken. He was an activist who was fighting against gay rights and marriage equality in Hawaii – and at that time, I forcefully defended him and his cause. But over the years as I grew up, I formed my own opinions based on my life experience that significantly changed my views..."
Indicating that she is not about to abandon her presidential ambitions, she adds: "I look forward to being able to share more of my story and experiences growing up – not as an excuse – but in the hopes that it may inspire others to truly live aloha; to love and care for others."
It's a well-delivered apology, but assuming she does proceed with a presidential run, it will be up to Democratic primary voters to judge whether the apology was sincere and whether she can carry the banner of the party.
The Hawaiian congresswoman speaks somberly into the camera, beginning with "Aloha." She immediately calls her past comments and beliefs "wrong, and worse, hurtful to people in the LGBTQ+ community and their loved ones." She insists that "my record in Congress over the last 6 years reflects what is in my heart: A strong and ongoing commitment to fighting for LGBTQ+ rights."
She attributes her past views to her family, particularly her father, a long-time social conservative activist (and current state Senator in Hawaii): "I ... grew up in a socially conservative household, where I was raised to believe that marriage should only be between a man and a woman ... my father was very outspoken. He was an activist who was fighting against gay rights and marriage equality in Hawaii – and at that time, I forcefully defended him and his cause. But over the years as I grew up, I formed my own opinions based on my life experience that significantly changed my views..."
Indicating that she is not about to abandon her presidential ambitions, she adds: "I look forward to being able to share more of my story and experiences growing up – not as an excuse – but in the hopes that it may inspire others to truly live aloha; to love and care for others."
It's a well-delivered apology, but assuming she does proceed with a presidential run, it will be up to Democratic primary voters to judge whether the apology was sincere and whether she can carry the banner of the party.