Former President Donald Trump has brought on former Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to assist in his debate preparation as the 2024 election draws near.

Gabbard, who gained widespread attention during the 2019 Democratic primary debates for her sharp criticism of then-rival Kamala Harris, is now offering her insights to Trump’s campaign, as Fox News reports.

The ex-lawmaker's role marks a significant collaboration between the former Democratic presidential candidate and Trump, underscoring her growing influence within conservative circles.

Strong History Against Harris

Gabbard first made headlines during the 2019 Democratic primary debates when she fiercely criticized Harris, then the California senator, for her record as a prosecutor.

She highlighted Harris's involvement in jailing over 1,500 people for marijuana-related offenses, despite Harris having previously admitted to using the drug herself.

This exchange went viral and positioned Gabbard as a notable figure in the debates.

Gabbard's 2019 Debate Performance Resonates

The viral debate moment where Gabbard took Harris to task is seen as a pivotal moment in her political career. She accused Harris of keeping people in prison beyond their sentences to exploit them for cheap labor and criticized her support of the cash bail system, which disproportionately affects the poor. Harris defended her record, stating that she was proud of her work and reforms in California.

These points of contention from the 2019 debate have resurfaced as Gabbard joins Trump’s debate team. Trump's National Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed Gabbard's involvement, praising Trump as one of the best debaters in political history and emphasizing that his debate preparation includes meetings with “respected policy advisors and effective communicators” like Gabbard.

Gabbard Becomes A Key Figure Among Conservatives

Since her 2019 debate performance, Gabbard has continued to be a vocal critic of Harris. In a recent statement, Gabbard referred to Harris as an “empty suit,” accusing her of trying to reshape her image to align with polling data rather than owning up to her past actions. Gabbard maintains that Harris’s record, as revealed during the 2019 debate, remains a critical issue in the current election cycle.

Two years ago, Gabbard left the Democratic Party and declared herself an independent, further aligning herself with conservative values. Her shift in political alignment has made her a prominent figure among conservatives, with speculation even suggesting that she could be considered as a potential running mate for Trump.

Trump and Gabbard Hold Practice Session at Mar-a-Lago

Gabbard’s involvement in Trump’s campaign has already extended beyond mere advisory roles. She participated in a practice debate session with Trump at his private club and residence, Mar-a-Lago. This session underscores the seriousness with which Trump’s team is approaching the upcoming debates, as they prepare to challenge the anticipated 2024 Democratic nominee.

Despite her departure from the Democratic Party, Gabbard’s insights from her time within the party, particularly during the contentious 2019 primary, are proving valuable to Trump’s campaign. Her ability to challenge and criticize key figures like Harris has bolstered her reputation as an effective communicator, a trait that Trump’s team is eager to harness.

Trump’s Team Confident in Debate Strategy

Leavitt’s comments suggest that Trump, already known for his debate prowess, sees Gabbard’s contributions as an enhancement to his strategy rather than a necessity. “He does not need traditional debate prep,” Leavitt stated, “but will continue to meet with respected policy advisors and effective communicators like Tulsi Gabbard, who successfully dominated Kamala Harris on the debate stage in 2020.”

As the 2024 election approaches, Trump’s campaign is gearing up for what promises to be a highly charged debate season. Gabbard’s role in these preparations highlights the evolving political landscape and the alliances forming as candidates position themselves for the upcoming race.

Gabbard's Criticisms of Harris Resonate

Reflecting on the 2019 debate, Gabbard’s critique of Harris centered on the discrepancies between Harris's public statements and her actions as a prosecutor. Gabbard accused Harris of failing to justify her past actions and of attempting to reinvent herself to appeal to voters, a strategy Gabbard finds deeply concerning.

“What she said was very different than what she actually did, and she had no answer for it,” Gabbard said, pointing out what she believes to be a fundamental issue with Harris’s candidacy. Gabbard’s critiques have continued to resonate with conservative audiences, further solidifying her role in Trump’s debate preparation.

Conclusion: Gabbard's Growing Role in Trump’s Campaign

As Tulsi Gabbard takes on a more prominent role in Trump’s debate preparation, her past criticisms of Kamala Harris are once again in the spotlight.

Gabbard’s sharp questioning and critique of Harris during the 2019 Democratic primary debates have become a key asset in Trump’s strategy as he prepares to challenge the Democratic nominee in 2024.

The former congresswoman's journey from Democratic presidential candidate to a significant figure within conservative circles underscores the shifting dynamics of American politics as the next election cycle approaches.