#StandWithTulsi Trends as Sixth Democratic Debate Starts With Hawaii Congresswoman Absent on Stage

Even though Democratic presidential candidate Representative Tulsi Gabbard chose not to participate in Thursday's Democratic debate, her presence was still felt on Twitter as #StandWithTulsi became a trending topic from the moment the debate began.

However, some folks used the hashtag to tweet their negative views on Gabbard.

"I'm not a Dem but it's good to see someone on the other side to stick to what they they is right She proved she doesn't follow the herd like all the other [sheep]," tweeted @PyroGod681. "If she could show that she could keep the economy growin & keep jobs increasin I'd consider voting 4 her."

"Gabbard is quite possible a Russian asset, or at the very least, a Trumper," tweeted @PHX Supernova. "She is NOT even close to a Democrat. Get out of my party. I will never #StandWithTulsi."

"I #StandWithTulsi because once again she has put her political prospects on the line to stand up for what's right," tweeted @TerrenceMcNulty. "The impeachment is partisan. Trump will be acquitted if it goes to the Senate. Don't Democrats and Republicans have better things to do?"

Author John Pavlovitz tweeted, "People saying they #StandWithTulsi. How do they all fit on the fence? #Present"

Gabbard tweeted earlier this month that she would be missing the debate in order to continue her campaign.

"For a number of reasons, I have decided not to attend the December 19th 'debate' — regardless of whether or not there are qualifying polls. I instead choose to spend that precious time directly meeting with and hearing from the people of New Hampshire and South Carolina."

Gabbard has proven to be a controversial figure in the race, feuding with former first lady Hillary Clinton who implied that Gabbard may be a "Russian asset."

Gabbard referred to Clinton as the "queen of warmongers" and "the personification of the rot that has sickened the Democratic Party" in an October tweet.

Gabbard's presidential campaign has been largely predicated by her promise to stop the pattern of deposing foreign governments who do not act in the best interest of the West.

"Regime change wars—toppling foreign governments we don't like—have drained our country of trillions of dollars, undermined our national security, and cost the lives of thousands of our men and women in uniform," reads Gabbard's website. "My first responsibility as your Commander in Chief will be to put an end to this disastrous foreign policy that has been perpetuated by warmongers in both political parties."

As of this writing, Gabbard is engaged in a fundraising drive that hopes to raise $1 million by the end of 2019. Currently, her campaign is more than halfway to its goal.