Yesterday saw Tulsi visit Concord High School — a destination that’s historically a hot destination on the campaign trail, with visits from lots of current candidates and ex-Presidents alike.

The auditorium was packed to the rafters, with hundreds of students ready to put Tulsi through the Gen-Z-test, to see if she passed! Tulsi opened with an explanation of her inspirations as a younger woman and her early foray into writing a skit aimed at younger kids called a Day in the Life of Water Woman. Her early creation of an ecological superhero offers a good insight into why she is so committed to environmental issues, and why she is a great candidate for the younger generations who place climate and green issues high on their list of priorities.

Tulsi also described how unlikely it was that her shy and recalcitrant younger self would end up running for President, and encouraged the high-schoolers to be ambitious and to push themselves.

But it was when the questions turned over to the teenagers themselves, that the atmosphere intensified, and things took an emotional turn, revealing Tulsi to be a candidate of great empathy, and with real appeal to young people going through all kind of upheavals and life challenges and changes.

Student Graham shared with Tulsi and the audience the loss of his mother five years previously to a brain tumour, and how this awful tragedy had been exacerbated by the fact her passing meant the family had lost a good portion of their income. Tulsi discussed her support for National Pad Family Leave — an initiative that will alleviate the financial burden of families going through hardship and loss. Another student, Craig also shared the loss of a family member to cancer, and how much this had impacted him. Listening to young people share their stories of bereavement was extremely moving, but also underlined just how critical it is for the country to have a leader who will pass laws to support people when they need it most.

Inevitably, the issue of gun violence in schools came up — and a young man called Brady — asked Tulsi what her policies would be if she becomes President? She discussed the legal angle, but also emphasised her support of good mental health resources, and the availability of experienced counsellors for young people — something she identities as critical in the fight against gun crime in schools.

The questions were all of a really high and thoughtful standard, undermining — again — the tired stereotype that Gen-Z’s are not civically engaged or interested in the world around them. Students raised everything from to the occupation of the West Bank, the right of prisoners to vote, Tulsi voting ‘present’, to the effectiveness of the electoral college.

The afternoon ended on a light note, with one student asking what three items Tulsi would bring to a desert island (a surfboard was definitely mentioned!) and another asking who Tulsi wanted to win the Superbowl? (the Chiefs, FYI!)

Politicians often say that ‘young people are the future’ but it was heartening to see a candidate really walking the talk of this mantra, and taking the questions and concerns of these students so seriously, and treating them with the same deference and thoughtfulness she does the older generations.

The majority of the audience might not yet be able to vote, but the success of the day at Concord High School suggests Tulsi Gabbard will be at the forefront of lots of their minds the first time they step into that voting booth in the coming years.

Chloe Combi, Writer @StandwithTulsi