Shooting survivor Gabby Giffords hails Biden as ‘decent man from Delaware’ in heartfelt DNC speech

Gabby Giffords' political career was abruptly halted in January 2011 when she was shot in the head during a meet-and-greet with her constituents
UPDATED AUG 23, 2024
Former representative and shooting survivor Gabby Giffords delivered a heartfelt speech at the DNC in which she praised Joe Biden (Getty Images)
Former representative and shooting survivor Gabby Giffords delivered a heartfelt speech at the DNC in which she praised Joe Biden (Getty Images)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: At the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Thursday, August 22, former representative Gabby Giffords delivered a heartfelt speech in which she praised President Joe Biden, whom she described as "a decent man from Delaware".

Giffords also took the opportunity to rally support for Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming November elections, as reported by NBC News.



 

Gabby Giffords praises 'decent man' Joe Biden during DNC speech in Chicago

Gabby Giffords began by recounting the traumatic event that altered the course of her life.

"On Jan 8, 2011, a man tried to assassinate me. ... I almost died, but I fought for my life, and I survived," she shared, referencing the mass shooting that occurred during a constituent meeting in Tucson, Arizona, while she was serving as a congresswoman.

The former congresswoman emphasized the significance of the support she received during her recovery, particularly from Biden.

"So many people held me as I worked hard to recover, including a decent man from Delaware who always checked in. He still does," Giffords said.

She continued, "Thank you. Joe Biden, thank you for everything."

Giffords lauded Biden's leadership, declaring, "Joe is a great president. My friend Kamala will be a great president."

Joe Biden reacts as supporters greet Joe Biden with a light display showing Georgians love for Joe Biden at his debate watch party at Hyatt Regency Atlanta on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for DNC)
Gabby Giffords emphasized the significance of the support she received during her recovery, particularly from Joe Biden (Derek White/Getty Images for DNC)

Giffords' speech also touched on the resilience she has demonstrated throughout her life, a trait she described as part of her upbringing in Arizona.

"I grew up racing motorcycles, mucking stalls, and exploring the beautiful desert," she recalled, painting a picture of her gritty and adventurous childhood.

This same determination has defined Giffords' journey from the time she was elected to Congress in 2006, where she quickly emerged as a rising star within the Democratic Party.

However, her promising political career was abruptly halted in January 2011, when she was shot in the head during a meet-and-greet with her constituents at a Tucson supermarket. The shooting left six people dead and more than a dozen injured.

Despite the devastating impact of the shooting, Giffords has continued to display remarkable courage. A year after the attack, she resigned from Congress to concentrate on her recovery.

Since then, Giffords has become a passionate advocate for gun reform, using her platform to fight for changes in the nation's gun laws.

Gun control advocate and former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-AZ) speaks on stage with her husband, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Delegates, politicians, and Democratic Party supporters are gathering in Chicago, as current Vice President Kamala Harris is named her party's presidential nominee. The DNC takes place from August 19-22. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Gabby Giffords remains a passionate advocate for gun reform (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Internet reacts to Gabby Giffords' DNC speech

The internet quickly responded to Gabby Giffords' DNC speech with an outpouring of positive reactions.

One X user commented, "President Biden is the guy who wonders how someone is doing & makes a mental note to call them, AND THEN ACTUALLY CALLS."

Another remarked, "President Biden is a decent man."



 



 

"Describing just another wonderful part of President Biden," wrote a third user. Another added, "One of the million reasons I love President Biden!"



 



 

"Gabby was awesome and so adorable," wrote one Facebook user.

Another user wrote, "Love Gabby! She’s such a fighter!!" One user pointed out, "She so bubbly and uplifting."

Another user stated, "Beautiful moment! Gabby is doing amazing."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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