So Donald Trump will be President, Hillary Clinton won’t and we all better get used to it – and wish the USA success – for the next four years.
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But after that, who do the Democrats have? Surely, it won’t be Hillary or Bernie battling it out again.
For me, the one to watch is a 35-year old woman from Hawaii of Samoan heritage, a combat veteran who loves to surf and happens to be a Hindu.
Doesn't sound likely – well all I can say to the sceptics, remember that you heard it here first!
Tulsi Gabbard (pictured) is the Democratic Member of the House of Representatives for Hawaii's second Congressional District.
She was a Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee until she resigned to take Bernie Sanders' side – and formally nominate him at the Democrat’s Convention – against Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination.
What makes Tulsi Gabbard so interesting is that her war service and her position on the use of the US military abroad has created her fans in both the far-left Sanders' camp and the right of US politics, including among Trump and his supporters.
Gabbard opposes US attempts at regime change in places like Syria and Libya – but is also one of the most hard-line opponents of ISIS and one of very few Democrats that talks about 'radical Islamic terrorism'.
And she is even prepared to take on President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry when she disagrees with them. When Kerry said terrorism was caused by “alienation, poverty, thrill-seeking”, Gabbard mocked him saying it was a mistake to think, 'if we give them $10,000 and give them a nice place to live that somehow they're not going to be engaged in this fighting,'"
At 35, Tulsi Gabbard has time on her side – and there is a lot more to her than her views on terrorism. She is a warrior for workers’ rights, the poor and disadvantaged, and the environment.
She is also known for being socially conservative.
Maybe it won't be in 2020, but in 2024 or 2028 or 2032 don't be surprised if this courageous and articulate woman, rather than Hillary Clinton, is the first female President of the United States.
On that note, Merry Christmas, shop local in the Yass Valley for your presents (and always) and see you in 2017.
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