Curiously you don't mention a salient point about Tulsi Gabbard: her history of reaching out to Republicans and cultivating friendships with GOP members of Congress. I'm not just talking about how Fox News likes to have her on when she disagrees with the President about Syria or whatever.  I recall articles about how she works out in the House gym with a group of GOP Congressmen led by Rep. Markwayne Mullin and other activities that have enabled her to develop real cross-party relationships.  Coupled with her brave decision to quit the DNC leadership and the eloquent speech she made in nominating Bernie Sanders at the Democratic Convention, which proved that she understood where the battleground for the Presidential election would be fought, Tulsi has demonstrated both that she has the courage of her convictions and that she has some uncanny political instincts.  These may well give her an opportunity to garner as much clout as a member of the minority can expect in the next Congress.