Gabbard news items generating more social interactions than other 2020 Democrats: study

News stories centered on Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s (D-Hawaii) presidential campaign have generated more social media interactions than any other 2020 Democrat, according to data analyzed by Axios.

The news outlet analyzed interactions on Facebook and Twitter — measured as likes, comments and shares — from Sept. 16 to Dec. 8 and found Gabbard outpaced all other 2020 Democratic candidates, with former Vice President Joe Biden coming in as a close second.

Gabbard generated an average of 858 social media interactions for each news story. Biden averaged 852 interactions, while Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) garnered 763 and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) came in fourth with an average of 648 interactions.

Gabbard has had several viral moments on the debate stage, as she has frequently taken aim at her fellow Democratic opponents and has even dueled with 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

Gabbard in one exchange called Clinton the “queen of warmongers” and “embodiment of corruption.”

Gabbard also sparred with Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), criticizing the former presidential candidate’s record as attorney general of California.

Axios noted Gabbard’s penchant for social media interactions is due, in part, to her appeal to right-wing media.

This week, Gabbard said that she wouldn’t participate in the upcoming December debate even if she qualifies.

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

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.

— Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) December 10, 2019

She previously threatened to boycott the October debate, alleging that the Democratic National Committee and media were “rigging” the presidential race.