X/@TulsiGabbard
The special skateboard was Fulfilled Burchett’s promise made back then with Gabbard while they were serving together in those days, after which Tulsi Gabbard, a former Congresswoman, was gifted the custom-made one. This natural material construction-limited edition board was given as a throwback gift in reference to Gabbard’s love for the ocean and surfing. This rare friendship shared between two members of different parties was brought to light in Washington and made for quite an attraction for the spectators.
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This is the new ride for the former Hawaii representative and presidential candidate, courtesy of Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett. And it is not just any ride-the limited edition skateboard is custom-built by Burchett with natural materials, something Burchett promised her back when they were serving together.
Gabbard unveiled the gorgeous skate with a picture, explaining that Burchett knew she had missed the ocean and surfing while in D.C. He promised her he would build her a skateboard one of these days. So one of these days became yesterday, and Tim kept his word. Gabbard thanked Tim for this beautiful gift and for testing the skateboard himself.
The post sprang up for discussion, thanks to the rare sight of one politician giving another a skateboard, but the reason behind it was A worthy cause. In this city, there are dozens of march-in friendships, but suddenly, this one felt very real.
The flood of reactions started with one user perfectly stating: “This is pretty dang dope.” That pretty much says it all. Yet another onlooker called Burchett “the coolest politician ever,” and honestly, how can you go against that when a member of Congress is personally hand-delivering skateboards to his colleagues?
The witty socializing kept going. “‘LOL You’ll never be late for a meeting down the hall again!’” One joked. “‘Watch out! Here she comes!’” Another fan chimed: “‘Now we need a video of both of you riding your skateboards at the Capitol!’” That would be a C-SPAN clip we’d truly want to watch.
Of course, not all the comments were about skating. One consumer sounded a bit baffled about the relation between surfing and skateboarding: “What does the ocean and surfing have to do with a skateboard?” Fair enough. For those unaware, skate culture has been deeply influenced by surf culture-many of the early skaters were surfers looking for something to do when the waves were flat.
And then came the one that totally derailed things. “Cool but can we maybe ride the board to the podium and tell us about secret fusion Propulsion, space force secret space navy, Lockheed sentient AI…” Okay then. We’re gonna just skate right past that one.
Mainly, though, the response was nostalgic and in favor. “I remember those days skateboarding everywhere,” one person shared. Another said simply, “Two good peeps.” In today’s political climate, that kind of bipartisan camaraderie is both refreshing and surprising.
Gabbard, an Army National Guard veteran and former Democrat turned independent, frequently defies the typical political mold. Burchett, on the other hand, is a Republican from Tennessee who is known for his down-to-earth attitude and instances of quirky behavior—such as making skateboards for his fellow lawmakers.
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Small moments may get swallowed up in greater tomorrows. They become glimmers of light for some: A promise kept, a gift made with one’s own hands, a shared laugh that reminds people that, in between titles and disagreements, there are still human beings in these offices. And every once in a while, they skateboard.