Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords ’93 spoke at the 2016 Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia on July 27 in support of Hillary Clinton who is the first female presidential nominee of a major party in America’s history. Former Arizona Representative Gifford’s speech moved the DNC crowd to tears. “Smart women get things done,” Giffords declared, to thunderous applause.
Giffords was a moderate Democratic congresswoman from Arizona’s 8th district in 2011 when a gunman stormed a constituent event where she was speaking, shot Giffords and left six dead and 12 others injured. Despite being shot in the head at close range, Giffords survived and has been advocating for stricter firearm regulations ever since. The gunshot left her with traumatic brain injuries and the road to recovery has been long and difficult, where even simple words have been, at times, a struggle for her to express.
Hello, fellow Democrats! What a crowd! It’s great to be here today.
We have important work ahead of us. Work that will determine the future of our country.
Are you ready? I’m ready.
I have a passion for helping people. I always have. So does Hillary Clinton. 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’s why I’m voting for Hillary!
I know what hate and division can do to our communities. Let’s stand up for responsibility.
Together we can make sure that respect, hard work, and progress win in November.
In Congress, I learned an important lesson: Strong women get things done!
Let’s work together to make Hillary our president. I’m with Her! And I know you are too.
Speaking is difficult for me. But come January, I want to say these two words: “Madam President.”
