© wunc.org/Getty Images/TwitterPresident Donald Trump • Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
"I give her respect. She didn't vote the other day. I give her a lot of respect. Because she knew it was wrong. She took a pass," Trump said during a speech Saturday to the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Gabbard, a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, said she voted against impeachment because it did not have bipartisan support.
"Trump is guilty of wrongdoing," the Hawaii Democrat said in a statement after the vote. "I also could not in good conscience vote for impeachment because removal of a sitting President must not be the culmination of a partisan process, fueled by tribal animosities that have so gravely divided our country."
Comment: A fuller version of what she had to say:
"Throughout my life, whether through serving in the military or in Congress, I've always worked to do what is in the best interests of our country. Not what's best for me politically or what's best for my political party. I have always put our country first. One may not always agree with my decision, but everyone should know that I will always do what I believe to be right for the country that I love.
"After doing my due diligence in reviewing the 658-page impeachment report, I came to the conclusion that I could not in good conscience vote either yes or no, I am standing in the center and have decided to vote 'present.'"
No Republicans voted to impeach Trump.
Two Democrats - Reps. Jeff Van Drew and Collin Peterson of Minnesota - voted against both articles. The following day, Van Drew of New Jersey, switched parties to become a Republican.
BC