Former Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords shared a poignant personal story, revealing that she and her husband, Sen. Mark Kelly, who has been shortlisted as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris, were attempting to have a child through in vitro fertilization before an attempted assassination nearly ended her life.
In a post on the social media app X, Giffords responded to a resurfaced clip of Sen. J.D. Vance’s widely spread remarks about “childless cat ladies” running the government, stating, “Vice President [Kamala Harris] is a proud mom of two remarkable stepchildren—and so am I.”
“[Mark Kelly] and I were trying to have a baby through IVF before I was shot and that dream was stolen from us,” Giffords wrote. “To suggest we are somehow lesser is disgraceful.” Giffords was nearly killed and suffered ongoing brain damage in the 2011 shooting. She subsequently became a staunch advocate for gun control, forming a PAC with Kelly to advocate for stricter gun laws.
Democratic Florida Senate candidate Mike Harvey responded to Giffords with his support, calling her and Kelly’s family “a true American success story.” “For anyone, especially a low-hanging freshman senator, to say anything else isn’t just an insult, it’s evil,” Harvey wrote. “The type of evil you can’t pray for, it’s the kind you have to cast out.”
Giffords’ heartfelt post sheds light on the personal struggles she and Kelly have faced and underscores the resilience and dedication they have shown in their advocacy work. Her response to Vance’s derogatory remarks highlights the ongoing need for respectful and inclusive dialogue in politics.
As the 2024 election approaches, personal stories like Giffords remind us of the humanity behind the political figures and the impact of their experiences on their public service. Giffords and Kelly’s journey from personal tragedy to powerful advocacy serves as a testament to their strength and commitment to making a difference. The outpouring of support from figures like Mike Harvey further emphasizes the solidarity and respect they command within the political community.