Gabby Giffords and Sen. Mark Kelly Praise Harris at DNC Event

During the final night of the Democratic National Convention, former Representative Gabby Giffords, who survived a serious gunshot injury in 2011, passionately expressed her support for Vice President Kamala Harris. Giffords boldly declared that Harris has the strength necessary to take on the gun lobby.

Giffords’ political career began in 2006 when she was elected to Congress, where many considered her a rising star in the Democratic Party. Her promising future was abruptly interrupted in January 2011 when she was shot in the head during a public meet-and-greet in Tucson, Arizona. The tragic incident not only nearly claimed her life but also led to the deaths of six others, with more than a dozen injured.

Reflecting on her journey, Giffords shared that the day of the shooting was “a terrible, terrible day.” She served for five years in a competitive district before resigning from Congress to concentrate on her rehabilitation. Despite her struggles, she transformed into a determined advocate for gun reform, displaying incredible resilience throughout her recovery process.

“I almost died. But I fought for my life and I survived,” Giffords stated, describing how she learned to walk and talk again, one step and one word at a time. Her speech during the convention marked a significant milestone in her recovery, showcasing her progress.

In her heartfelt address, Giffords thanked President Biden for consistently checking in on her since the shooting, praising him as a “decent man.” She also highlighted Harris’s toughness, asserting that “Kamala can beat the gun lobby.”

Thursday’s convention program featured additional speakers, including other survivors of gun violence—among them, a Sandy Hook massacre survivor and a mother whose child was killed in the Uvalde school shooting. These testimonies aimed to amplify the urgent call for gun reform and bring attention to the continued struggles faced by victims and their families.

Giffords was joined by her husband, Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona. Following a performance by singer Pink, Kelly took the stage, humorously noting the challenge of following such impressive speakers. He praised Giffords for her perseverance, stating that her ability to address the audience was proof of her fighting spirit.

After highlighting Giffords’ incredible journey, Kelly pivoted to discussing foreign policy and security concerns. He emphasized the significance of how the world views the United States, particularly regarding adversaries such as Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China. Kelly criticized former President Donald Trump, suggesting that under his leadership, the U.S. has become a subject of ridicule among global powers.

Kelly strongly endorsed Harris, commending her support for U.S. troops and veterans, along with her commitment to NATO, Ukraine, and the sanctity of free elections. He contrasted Harris’s principles with Trump’s alleged disparaging remarks about service members, underscoring the values important to voters.

Mark Kelly’s political journey began in 2020, when he ran for the Senate to finish the term of the late John McCain. His victory in a traditionally Republican state was a pivotal moment, allowing Democrats to hold both Senate seats in Arizona for the first time in nearly 70 years. Kelly, a former astronaut, successfully positioned himself as a moderate and was reelected in 2022.

Notably, he was also considered as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris before she ultimately selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Additionally, as President Biden faced rising pressure to step down from the 2024 race, Kelly’s name emerged as a potential candidate for his replacement.

Giffords and Kelly’s joint appearance at the convention not only served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against gun violence but also highlighted their dedication to advocating for change in American politics.

Source: CBS News