The two words —“Madam President.”
“In Congress I learned a powerful lesson: Strong women get things done.”
Former Representative Gabby Giffords would know about getting things done and continues to do so. In 2012, Rep. Giffords was an upcoming promising lawmaker whose goals and demeanor seemed to resonate across party lines, in and outside of Congress. I was living in Tucson and noticed, like many others, that Rep. Giffords had that “something” rare. She didn’t care about the politics — she cared about getting things done for everyday people living in Arizona and in America. I voted for her thinking she could one day run for the Oval Office and lead this this country. As I was moving out of Arizona to North Carolina I made sure to keep my residency long enough to cast my vote for Gabby Giffords.
Not long after I settled in North Carolina, I heard the tragic news of the shooting outside a shopping center in Tucson only a couple miles from where I had lived. Rep. Gabby Giffords was targeted for assassination and she was shot in the head. Many didn’t think she would survive, let alone recover and lead a crusade against gun violence, which she has been doing for years. She’s a true inspiration to millions.
On Wednesday night, Giffords was introduced by her husband, veteran and astronaut Mark Kelly. She spoke to Americans at the Democratic National Convention giving her full support to our Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Rodham Clinton with whom Giffords has stood beside as they both champion for sensible gun reform.
As for the Oval Office, Hillary’s got this one, but I have no doubt, Giffords just might have one in the future.
Here is the short clip lasting about two minutes followed by her words in transcript:
Hello fellow Democrats! [Cheers]
What a crowd. [Cheers] I'm honored to be here today.
We have important work ahead of us. Work that will determine the future of our country. Are you ready? [Cheers] Are you ready? [Cheers] Are you ready? [Cheers] I'm ready.
In Congress I learned a powerful lesson. Strong women get things done. [Cheers]
Hillary is tough. Hillary is courageous. She will fight to make our families safer. In the White House, she will stand up to the gun lobby, that is why I am voting for Hillary. [Cheers]
Talking is difficult for me. Come January, I want to say these two words, “Madam President.” [Cheers]
Thank you very much!
Thank you, Gabby Giffords. Thank you for your courage and showing us all what the power behind our human spirit can do.