PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Anti-gun violence advocate Gabby Giffords threw her support behind Vice President Kamala Harris’ run for the White House in Philadelphia on Thursday. The Harris campaign hosted the former congresswoman to appeal to voters on one of the biggest issues in the city: gun violence.
“Our lives can change so quickly. Mine did when I was shot,” Giffords said.
Giffords has made painstaking progress in the 13 years since she was shot in the head at a constituent service event in Arizona and, speaking at a church in Kingsessing, she said the effort of so many people to help her taught her something.
“I learned if people care for each other and work together, progress is possible, a better world is possible.”
She compared her own challenges to those facing the country.
“We live in challenging times. We are up for the challenge, but change doesn't happen overnight — and we can't do it alone.”
Her nonprofit's executive director, Emma Brown, was more specific: “There is a choice in this election, and it is crystal clear. We know that Vice President Harris will do everything she possibly can to pass gun safety laws and end this epidemic.”
Giffords’ visit comes in the wake of a mass shooting about three miles from the West Philadelphia church where she spoke. Pennsylvania State House Speaker Joanna McClinton joined her to argue that Vice President Kamala Harris is the most likely presidential candidate to take action on gun violence.
“Kamala Harris, working with Joe Biden, has seen the biggest decrease in gun violence across America and the most progressive legislation — the bipartisan Community SAFE Act,” McClinton said.
Giffords' husband, Sen. Mark Kelly, is reported to be in contention for the vice presidential slot on Harris's ticket — along with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Perhaps out of deference to Giffords, McClinton stayed neutral.
“Josh Shapiro has always been a people's champion, but I also recognize that Sen. Kelly is someone that we all hold in high regard.”