As the presidency of Donald Trump appears destined to founder on the rocks of hubris, Spirited Reasoners finds themselves scouring the candidacy of competing Democrats and Republicans. It’s not enough, though, to find someone who can defeat this schoolyard bully in an election.  What’s needed is a leader capable of unifying our nation; a person who can make it possible for families to sit together around their Thanksgiving tables without brandishing AK-47s instead of turkey knives.

Does such a candidate exist?

We may have found just such a unifier in the unlikely form of U. S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, (D-Hawaii).

Our Constitution requires that the Chief Executive be at least 35 years old. Tulsi Gabbard was born in April of 1981, which means that she would be only 39—pushing 40—if she were to take office in January of 2021. But the visit to our country by a precocious teenager from Sweden—Greta Thunberg—should serve as a reminder that age is not necessarily a corequisite to wisdom. (Donald Trump is currently 73 years old.)

Aside from her relative youth, what else makes Tulsi Gabbard different from Warren, Biden, and Sanders, the current frontrunners?

For starters, she’s a military veteran, having served in a combat zone (Iraq—2004-2005) and later in Kuwait.  So, when standing on a stage next to Donald Trump, she would have no trouble matching and exceeding his foreign-policy credentials.

Having served as a medical specialist in a war zone, she understands patient care in a way most politicians don’t.

Then, unlike the other contenders, she has taken the time to express a compelling vision for our children and grandchildren. Following is an excerpt:

“We experience a purpose higher than just survival, our success in life is measured by our happiness and fulfillment rather than accumulation of wealth and status. We love and care for our neighbors, and respect each other regardless of the color of our skin, how we worship or who we love and we place as much value on character as we do on consumption.”

(You can find the full vision at https://www.tulsi2020.com/vision )

She comes from a multi-religious household, including both Christian and Hindu influences. Her political approach is therefore unique, stemming from strength of character rather than expediency. Spirited Reasoners especially admire the fact that she has chosen to maintain her campaign in the face of the media’s attempting to write her off, seemingly fixating on candidates’ fundraising prowess alone.

Finally, demonstrating a sense of political creativity uncommon in national elections, Tulsi Gabbard has expressed her belief that America’s foreign policy cannot and should not be divorced from its domestic policy. What that means to Spirited Reasoners is that when, for example, frightened refugees seek asylum in the United States because they believe in the beacon of our Statue of Liberty, we should approach them not as if they were “invaders” or “rapists and criminals,” but rather as “huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

Yes. We know. Current poll numbers show Tulsi Gabbard at somewhere around tenth place in a crowded field, enjoying precious little name recognition.

But you know what? Iowans don’t caucus until January.