Tulsi Gabbard Confronts Joy Behar on “The View” Over Smear Campaign: A Deep Dive into the Controversy

In an explosive moment on “The View,” former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard confronted Joy Behar over the repeated smearing of her name, accusing her of being a “Russian asset” and a “Trojan horse.” The confrontation unfolded during a tense exchange on national television, shedding light on Gabbard’s ongoing battle to defend her character and challenge the narratives pushed by prominent political figures and media personalities.

A History of Smear Campaigns

Tulsi Gabbard, a decorated U.S. Army veteran and former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, has long been a polarizing figure in American politics. Her decision to run for president in 2020, coupled with her outspoken stance on foreign policy—particularly her opposition to U.S. military interventionism—has earned her both passionate supporters and detractors.

One of the most significant sources of controversy surrounding Gabbard has been the repeated allegations that she is a “Russian asset” or sympathetic to Russian interests. These accusations were notably amplified by Hillary Clinton, who suggested in 2019 that Gabbard was being groomed by Russia to run as a third-party candidate, a claim that drew sharp criticism from Gabbard herself. Clinton’s comments not only ignited a firestorm of media attention but also set the stage for Gabbard’s eventual confrontation with Joy Behar.

During her appearance on “The View,” Gabbard took the opportunity to address the smears head-on. With a calm yet assertive demeanor, she made it clear that the accusations were baseless and politically motivated. She began by listing the names of those who had attempted to tarnish her reputation, including Clinton, who had suggested that Gabbard was receiving support from Russian bots and other malign actors. The former congresswoman didn’t mince words, challenging the legitimacy of these claims and stressing that she had dedicated her life to serving her country.

Setting the Record Straight

Gabbard’s response was a direct rebuttal to the insinuations that had been circulating in the media. She described herself as a “patriot,” emphasizing her service in the military and her commitment to the safety and security of the United States. She also pointed out the irony in being accused of working for Russian interests when, in fact, her career had been defined by her opposition to foreign intervention and her focus on national security.

“I am a strong and intelligent woman of color,” Gabbard stated, “and I have dedicated almost my entire adult life to protecting the safety, security, and freedom of all Americans.” She also reminded the audience of the personal sacrifices she had made, having served in the military for over 16 years and deployed twice to the Middle East during the height of the War on Terror.

However, Behar was quick to deflect, trying to regain control of the conversation. She attempted to shift the focus to the issue of Gabbard’s political affiliations, but Gabbard refused to be sidetracked. The former congresswoman pointed out that Behar’s attempt to change the subject was a clear indication of the discomfort that Behar and others felt when Gabbard confronted the issue directly.

Gabbard also addressed the political ramifications of the smear campaign, noting that figures like Clinton had used such tactics to undermine her candidacy. She reminded Behar that these personal attacks were not based on facts or evidence but rather on a concerted effort to delegitimize her stance on issues like U.S. foreign policy and military interventionism.

The Role of the Media and Political Establishment

Throughout the exchange, Gabbard stressed the broader issue of media and political elites attempting to control the narrative by smearing those who dissent from the establishment line. She accused Hillary Clinton and others of resorting to “smear tactic campaigns” to silence opposition, especially when it came to Gabbard’s stance on the wars in the Middle East and her calls for a more restrained U.S. foreign policy.

Gabbard’s critique of Clinton’s foreign policy legacy was also a key point of contention. She argued that Clinton’s advocacy for regime change and military interventions, particularly in Iraq, had led to the deaths of thousands of American soldiers and countless civilians in the Middle East. Gabbard’s military service, which includes deployments to Iraq and the broader region, gives her a unique perspective on the devastating consequences of such policies. She reiterated that her opposition to these interventions stemmed from her firsthand experience of the human cost of war.

“Clinton has led with a foreign policy of interventionism,” Gabbard explained, “going around the world toppling dictators, which has caused destruction and loss of life. I’m running for president to change that.”

Behar’s Struggle to Deflect

Throughout the interview, Joy Behar appeared increasingly flustered and defensive. As Gabbard continued to challenge the smears, Behar attempted to pivot the conversation back to the accusations of Russian influence, but Gabbard remained steadfast in her resolve. The contrast between Gabbard’s composed, fact-based arguments and Behar’s attempts to interrupt and regain control of the conversation was striking.

At one point, Behar tried to redirect the discussion to Clinton’s claims, but Gabbard cut her off, pointing out the absurdity of continually associating those who criticize the establishment with foreign enemies. She noted that Clinton’s go-to tactic was to accuse anyone she disagreed with of being in league with the Russians, a pattern that had become increasingly transparent to many.

Gabbard also raised the question of why figures like Clinton were so intent on undermining her character rather than engaging in a substantive debate over the issues. She suggested that the establishment had a vested interest in discrediting her because she represented a challenge to the status quo, particularly when it came to U.S. foreign policy.

The Aftermath and Public Reactions

The exchange between Gabbard and Behar quickly gained attention across social media and the news cycle. Many viewers expressed support for Gabbard’s forthright defense of her character, while others criticized Behar for attempting to deflect and control the conversation.

One notable absence during the interview was that of co-host Sunny Hostin, who had been a vocal critic of Gabbard in previous episodes. Some viewers speculated that Hostin’s absence was not coincidental, suggesting that she may have been avoiding a direct confrontation with Gabbard.

Regardless of the media spin, Gabbard’s appearance on “The View” was a powerful reminder of her resilience and determination to stand up for her principles. By confronting Behar and challenging the smears head-on, Gabbard reinforced her image as a politician who will not back down in the face of unfounded attacks. Her message was clear: the battle for truth and accountability is far from over.

In conclusion, Tulsi Gabbard’s confrontation with Joy Behar was a significant moment in the ongoing political discourse surrounding her career. It highlighted the tensions between the political establishment and those who seek to challenge it, particularly on issues of foreign policy and national security. While Gabbard’s critics continue to question her motives and affiliations, she remains unwavering in her commitment to defending her record and her country.