Tulsi Gabbard Says She Will Skip Next Debate

The next Democratic debate is Dec. 19—but Rep. Tulsi Gabbard isn't keeping that night free in her calendar. The candidate, who needs to get above 4% in one more state or national poll to qualify, says she won't be taking part even if she makes the cut, the Hill reports. "For a number of reasons, I have decided not to attend the December 19th 'debate'—regardless of whether or not there are qualifying polls," the Hawaiian lawmaker tweeted Monday. "I instead choose to spend that precious time directly meeting with and hearing from the people of New Hampshire and South Carolina." Gabbard's highest level of support is in New Hampshire, where two recent polls put her at 6%, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports. (More Tulsi Gabbard 2020 stories.)