The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) is a key position in the United States intelligence community, overseeing and coordinating the efforts of all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. The DNI is responsible for ensuring that the diverse U.S. intelligence agencies—such as the CIA, NSA, FBI, and others share information and work collaboratively.

The selection of Tulsi Gabbard and the DNI is quite possibly a game changer regarding how the intelligence agencies conduct themselves both domestically and overseas. It's a big role, and there will be dirty tricks and pushback from the old guard, so we'll see what happens.

Tulsi Gabbard is often described as a person of strong integrity because of her willingness to challenge the status quo, even when it means going against her own political party or enduring criticism. Here are some reasons why she's seen this way:

Independent Thinking: Gabbard has repeatedly shown she is not afraid to break from party lines if she feels it's the right thing to do. For instance, she openly criticized both Republican and Democratic foreign policies, including her own party's stance on military interventions in the Middle East. Her opposition to "regime change wars" has been consistent, which she believes are costly and harm both American and foreign interests.

Military Service and Anti-War Stance: As an Iraq War veteran, Gabbard's perspectives on foreign policy come from personal experience. She served in the Army National Guard and was deployed to a war zone. Her time in the military has informed her vocal opposition to unnecessary wars, and she frequently advocates for non-interventionist policies. Her firsthand experience in combat gives her words weight and bolsters her image of sincerity on these issues.

Resignation from the DNC: In 2016, she resigned from her position as Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to endorse Bernie Sanders over Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries. This move was significant because it highlighted her willingness to prioritize her principles over her career. By resigning, she gave up a prestigious position to back a candidate she felt aligned more with her values, despite party pressure.

Focus on Unity: Throughout her political career, she has emphasized the importance of transcending political divisions to address the real challenges facing Americans. She calls for unity and civility in politics, consistently aiming to bridge divides rather than exacerbate them.

Authenticity: Gabbard has built her reputation on being straightforward, often avoiding the typical political rhetoric in favor of a more down-to-earth approach. This Authenticity resonates with people across the political spectrum who appreciate her directness.

While views on Gabbard are certainly mixed and her critics argue against some of her positions, her track record reflects a dedication to her core beliefs and the courage to act on them regardless of external pressures.