August 5, 2024 • 1hr 56min
#821 - Tulsi Gabbard - Who Actually Runs The US Government?
Modern Wisdom
Key Takeaways
- Behind-the-scenes power dynamics: Tulsi argues that unelected officials and special interests often wield more power than elected representatives, with figures like Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and defense contractors influencing policy behind the scenes.
- Concerns about Biden's cognitive decline: Tulsi discusses how Biden's mental state was a known issue internally, but downplayed publicly. She argues this raises questions about who is really making decisions.
- Critique of the Democratic Party: Tulsi explains her departure from the Democratic Party, arguing it has become unrecognizable and strayed from traditional liberal values around free speech, religious liberty, and limited government.
- Media bias and information control: Tulsi criticizes mainstream media and tech companies for selectively controlling information, citing examples like suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop story.
- Dangers of restricting free speech: Tulsi argues against legislation like the TikTok ban, saying it sets a dangerous precedent for government control of information and speech platforms.
- Importance of civic engagement: Tulsi emphasizes the need for citizens to be informed, think critically, and vote to enact change, rather than becoming apathetic.
- Concerns about Kamala Harris: Tulsi reiterates her criticisms of Harris as unfit to be president, arguing she puts political interests above serving the people.
Introduction
In this episode of Modern Wisdom, host Chris Williamson interviews Tulsi Gabbard, former U.S. Representative and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate. Gabbard discusses her views on the current state of American politics, her departure from the Democratic Party, and her concerns about who truly wields power in Washington. The conversation covers a wide range of topics including media bias, free speech, foreign policy, and the upcoming 2024 election.
Topics Discussed
Behind-the-Scenes Power Dynamics (01:17)
Tulsi argues that unelected officials and special interests often have more influence over policy than elected representatives:
- She describes a "cabal of the Democrat elite" including figures like Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and defense contractors
- Argues these forces profit from constant war and crisis, giving them incentive to maintain those conditions
- "It is this cabal of the Democrat elite, the woke warmongers made up of the likes of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and Tony Blinken and Jake Sullivan, and people who are in the military industrial complex, people who profit from us being in a constant state of war."
Biden's Cognitive Decline (18:01)
Tulsi discusses concerns about President Biden's mental state:
- Says his decline was "impossible to ignore" internally but downplayed publicly
- Argues this raises questions about who is really making decisions in the administration
- Expresses sympathy for Biden's situation while criticizing the decision to run for re-election
Departure from the Democratic Party (26:03)
Tulsi explains her journey from Vice Chair of the DNC to leaving the party:
- Says the party has become "unrecognizable" from when she joined over 20 years ago
- Cites shifts away from traditional liberal values like free speech and religious liberty
- Argues the party now tries to "eliminate God" from public life
Media Bias and Information Control (1:05:14)
Tulsi criticizes mainstream media and tech companies for selectively controlling information:
- Cites suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop story as an example
- Argues social media companies work with government to censor certain viewpoints
- Praises alternative platforms like X (formerly Twitter) for allowing more open discourse
The TikTok Ban and Free Speech Concerns (53:21)
Tulsi argues against legislation to ban TikTok:
- Says it sets a dangerous precedent for government control of speech platforms
- Warns it gives the president unilateral power to shut down platforms deemed "foreign adversaries"
- Argues for protecting free speech even if the information is concerning
Religion and Politics (1:16:47)
Tulsi discusses the changing relationship between religion and the Democratic Party:
- Says the party has shifted from being welcoming of faith to trying to eliminate religion from public life
- Cites examples of Democrats opposing judicial nominees for their religious beliefs
- Argues this stems from a desire to be the ultimate authority rather than acknowledging a higher power
Family and Parental Rights (1:41:05)
Tulsi criticizes efforts to diminish parental rights:
- Opposes laws allowing minors to pursue gender transition without parental consent
- Argues for school choice and parents' right to decide their children's education
- Says some politicians believe they know better than parents how to raise children
The 2024 Election (1:49:59)
Tulsi discusses the upcoming presidential election:
- Strongly criticizes Kamala Harris as unfit to be president
- Argues Harris puts political interests above serving the people
- Expresses concern about the lack of principled leadership in the Democratic Party
Civic Engagement and Voting (1:30:57)
Tulsi emphasizes the importance of citizen participation:
- Encourages people to get informed, think critically, and vote
- Argues against mandatory voting, saying motivation must come from within
- Stresses that not voting is itself a political action with consequences
Conclusion
Throughout the interview, Tulsi Gabbard presents a critical view of the current state of American politics, particularly focusing on the Democratic Party she recently left. She argues that unelected officials and special interests wield significant power behind the scenes, often at odds with the interests of the American people. Gabbard emphasizes the importance of protecting fundamental rights like free speech and religious liberty, even when it means allowing viewpoints one disagrees with.
She encourages citizens to be actively engaged, think critically about information from all sources, and exercise their right to vote. While expressing deep concerns about the current trajectory of the country, Gabbard maintains hope that informed and motivated citizens can bring about positive change through the democratic process.
The conversation highlights the complex challenges facing American democracy, from questions of who truly holds power to the role of media and technology in shaping public discourse. It serves as a call for greater transparency in government and more active civic participation from citizens across the political spectrum.