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Subscribe to RSSRep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), who dramatically returned to the House for a critical vote this week for the first time since she was shot in the head in January, has recovered well enough to run for re-election, her doctors said, according to televised news reports.
C.J. Karamargin, a spokesman for Giffords, told NBC station Tucscon affiliate KVOA that Giffords had made no decision yet. The deadline to file for the 2012 ballot isn't until May, "and that's still a while off," he said, adding, "The congresswoman is focusing her efforts on recovery. She wants to return to work full time, and when she's able, she will."
Peter Rhee, the neurosurgeon who operated on Giffords' brain at University Medical Center in Tucson after she was shot at a public appearance Jan. 8, told KVOA that Giffords still had obvious physical limitations, but that her mental faculties had fully recovered.
"There's no real reason she wouldn't be able to hold office," Rhee said, adding, "It's not about her capabilities. It's purely [a decision] that is personal and what her desires are. I'll support her in whichever way she goes."
Rainer Gruessner, chief of surgery at the hospital, told NBC's Lee Cowan on Nightly News that there was always "light at the end of the tunnel" and that when Giffords cast her vote, "we saw the light."
Giffords' Tucson district director, Ron Barber, told KVOA Giffords proved her fitness with her vote for compromise legislation raising the national debt ceiling Monday. He said Giffords had the bill emailed to her before she left for Washington, and "she read the whole thing on the plane to D.C., so she [could] walk in there and absolutely say she knew what was in it.”
"Plus, she had studied the main points before she went," added Barber, who was shot twice himself in the January attack, in which six people were killed and 10 other people were injured.
Friends and other supporters, saying they expect Giffords to run, have raised nearly $800,000 for another campaign, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), a close friend of Giffords', told NBC's Kelly O'Donnell on Nightly News that she was eager to help.
Mentally, Giffords "understands everything," said Gillibrand, who, also said on Nightly News that she had lunch with Giffords this week. "She has opinions on everything."
The challenge, should Giffords return to Congress, will be "to be able to fully articulate her thoughts the way she did before this awful crime," Gillibrand said.
Giffords has returned to Houston for further rehabilitation, but she had a private lunch with her staff in Washington this week, aides told Nightly News.
If she runs again, she will have strong support from constituents like Louise Brockway of Tucson, who said she was inspired by Giffords.
"I think she epitomizes getting along in the political world," Brockway said on Nightly News.
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Remember right after she got shot - it was all about civility.
Now, not so much, eh libbies?
Sort of making a mockery of your own mocking...
The old saying goes
"If you aren't part of the solution, you're part of the problem"
Where do you think your comments fall on that scale?
Just wish her well and support her republican opponent in Nov.
Libbies, Libbies, Libbies. What are we selling, lima beans?
You know, Spanky, I used to enjoy some of your comments even when I disagreed. Now, you remind me of a mosquito just buzzing around hoping someone will swat at you. Consider this the last swat from me. Have a nice life.
df - Spanks words were not mocking at all, he asks a legitimate question. The Left has had free reign on the hateful words over this Debt Ceiling issue, openly calling the Right "Terrorists", "Tealiban", "Hostage takers", and "Putting the gun to our (the Democrats) heads". And its not just the left-wing fools on these pages doing it, it's the left-wing fools in the media, and most notably the left-wing fools like our very own Vice President.
President Obama called for a more civil tone after the Giffords and her supporters shootings. Do you think the Left has lived up to the standard President Obama has set for the country?
[Libbies, Libbies, Libbies. What are we selling, lima beans?]
No, but Schpanky's too ignorant to know the difference...but that's OK...he has "an opinion"...
Dangerfield are you calling out? Oh no, whatever shall I do?
Not sure, but you know what I don't do? Cry and complain about the lack of civility one month, then after a particularly big loss start tossing out terms like terrorists, Taliban, and all the rest that the libbies toss out everyday.
I would further remind you al that "libbie" is a made up word. As far as I know it does not appear in any dictionary or for you young-ins, Wikipedia. It's just my loving abbreviation for Liberal/Democrats.
In contrast terrorists is a realword, with an actual meaning. So does Tea-Bagging, which is an act I happen to enjoy, but here at FR is used as a pejorative.
Any how, whether I am part of the solution or the problem is not a questin I consider. Rather, am I amused, and is this a better alternative to the crap on my desk that needs to get done?
And you Dangerfield?Solution, problem, eye poker?
Thanks JAS1 - and isn't the smell of desperation lovely? Too bad the DOOM is approaching. $43 Trillion over the next 10 years. What me worry?
Think you and your opponents play the same semantic games and as an independent/libertarian/contrarian feel no desire to join in.
There is little civility here from either side. This post was about Rep Gifford's remarkable recovery and decision to run for re-election. The "your side's worse" faux-civility rants where each side takes turns being the injured party will be held on another thread soon...
Everyone on both sides called for a softening of tone in the aftermath of the shooing spree that almost took her life...and everyone had an American flag on their car after 9/11...
[Remember right after she got shot - it was all about civility.]
...civility...I'm astonished you could even pronounce the word...
I'm telling you - life is much sweeter in First Read land after I had the exterminators come through...
Think - ignore author feature! ;o)
It's a beautiful thing!
May Gabby & her husband make whatever decision that is best for them...
well said. Dangerfield.
The BEST part is, this coming from a little man who once threatened to knock another posters teeth down their throat...
Then there are the times where he goes off on a tangent & starts calling people liars...
DF is a LOT of things - however, civil is NOT one of them! ;o)
The post has fantastic timing given the tone from the left in the last two days Dangerfield.
I for one never have had any issue with civility - you can call me anything you want. My issue was the silliness after Giffords got shot. First it was all the republicans fault - their incivility and Palin's use of cross-hairs. Then it was just the hostile tone.
Don't know about you, but it is those exact same people, like Chris Matthews, who now calls duly elected and serving congressmen "terrorists" Jihadists" and such.
Oh and now all tea party people and conservatives are just stupid, or economically illerate. Really, this from folk who have never sceen a Cash Flow Statement of depreciatin schedule.
Talk is talk. FR is a fun diversion. Hey check out a few threads ago. I had a veritable gang of people asking and commenting about me.
Dangerfield - I don't think you are appreciating just how very special and important I am. :)
Golly Dangerfield, I thought the old gal was talking about me - and I have never threatened violence.
After all gang it is an anonymous board and all.
Did you really do that Dangerfield? And here I was thinking you were the calm and collected one, not a hot headed mosquito like me.
Live and learn I suppose.
Spank-
What old gal? I don't know what you're talking about?
Are you calling ME out? lol
[The BEST part is, this coming from a little man who once threatened to knock another posters teeth down their throat...]
Well, that does go right along with relentlessly harassing women and disabled Navy veterans...Schpanky does need something to fill those loose boxers, you know...right Schpanky?
[Then there are the times where he goes off on a tangent & starts calling people liars...]
Most people with an "opinion" that feel as if they aren't being taken seriously will often call others liars, even though they have perpetuated many falsehoods themselves...
Right Schpanky?
[Hey check out a few threads ago. I had a veritable gang of people asking and commenting about me.]
Jesus H. Christ on a pop-sickle stick, cant you get ANYTHING right, Schpanky?
They were merely reminding you what an @!$%# you truly are...
Oh Spanky-(and Mickey...Jeez you 2 should have a "clubhouse" with those names...)
Mistaken identity...
That was directed at me...I make use of the "ignore" function so did not see the attention whore...
Frankly, I'm more surprised he can SPELL it.
You didn't look it up, did you, Spanky?
I mean, that would have required effort.
here's the quote..I mean my "threat"...I invited Houston! to ".. knock my teeth out." as in the quote below...
The quote is part of a phone conversation with Groucho that Leo Rosten (http://www.anecdotage.com/index.php?aid=13485) recalled having:
(Voice of Groucho): "Why, if you were a man you'd come over and knock my teeth out."
Rosten: "I -"
Voice: "And if you were half a man you'd knock half my teeth out."
Rosten: "Who -?"
Voice: "And if you were a woman we could dance the night away in wild abandon."
And spanky, what did I call you?
Words hurt AM. Words hurt, and you of all people know how sensitive I am about my spelling.
And DF - the clubhouse thing is a great idea. But only if you come by.
And for sure you too AM.
Df - I believe yu called me a "pot-stirrer" in so many words.
OH NO you don't DF - here's is the actual comment you made to Houston!
dangerfield
You're still not man enough to admit your mistake...
Two words to best describe you -- truthfully bankrupt!
[Mistaken identity...That was directed at me...]
Sorry fella...my mistake...but Schpanky STILL gets his pebbles off by berating women and disabled veterans...right Schpanky?
Did I now? Hmmmm...and in so many words too...
I think you'd have a tough time making that case counselor, especially on this board...and it isn't like I have a clubhouse or a fan club. Who got attacked for supporting civility?
But while I support civility, I also believe in responding "in kind" when merited.
Until Mickey posted his quote I was blissfully unaware of the almost year old intentional misrepresentation that seems like a form of "Tourettt's"
Do I meet your criteria, Spanky? ;-)
Hey DF!
Where did you go 'my little independent friend'? LMAO!
At least be a man for once, and defend your comments will ya?
PS: I can guarantee you, my little pet - this isn't going to go away.... ;o)
No way - NO how...
So libbies, on another website they asked the following question: anyone know of any new Obama supporters?
Are there people out there that did not vote for him in 2008 that will in 2012?
I don't, but that's no surprise. I do know of many who did, but have given up. Mostly they seem to be worn down. More of a slow drip than one big reason.
Just curious.
Way off topic...but you have "an opinion", right Schpanky? Always asking questions, but never answering them...how...convenient.
...and you wonder why you've never been able to gat anyone to actually debate you...must suck to have all those pent up "opinions", right?
BTW...how are those loose-fitting boxers working out for you?
You know Mickey I asked you and all the other Spanky cheerleaders a specific question back on that very thread.
Yet you failed to respond.
Everything alright?
Also why are you concerned with my underwear? That's a little odd. I assume you are a grown man.
To each his own I suppose.
Feel free to respond here or the Mickey.
"when it says Libbys Libbys Libbys on the Label Lable Label.....
You will LIKE IT LIKE IT LIKE IT on your table table table."
(from an old- really old- ad campaign)
Hey there another one of the Spanky fan Club.
Too bad Drive By couldn't answer either. Oh well.
And dudes we got to get some chicks in this here club.
[You know Mickey I asked you and all the other Spanky cheerleaders a specific question back on that very thread.]
I think that before you get to ask anymore questions, you have quite a few to answer, don't you think?
...better get crackin'...tick tock, Schpanky...tick tock...
See how this works? YOU have an "opinion", and I have an opinion...right? Tell me you're not a dim bulb, Schpanky...for God's sake, tell me you haven't been faking it all this time...
[Hey there another one of the Spanky fan Club.]
This is just the beginning, Schpanky...better pull up your panties, it's gonna be a rough ride...
spanky- Do you ever talk about the topic? Or do you just have to rant about Liberals on every post? There is NO viable candidate to even run against Obama, just the same 3 ring circus, but it's a long time till the election, so keep your supply of depends at hand, so after Obama gets re-elected, your friends and family don't have to look at you wet pants!
It's a personal decision for Giffords and her husband; they should do what is best for them. That said, I would like to see her return and at least finish her term. I would think Congress could make an exception. If she has difficulty vocalizing her thoughts during the legislative debate sessions, she could type them and have an aid read them.
Well said Jody, I too would like to see her finish her term, has another member of Congress had to have an aide help in such a way? Under the circumstances of her injury it would be hoped that the Congress would help her in some way to fulfill her term.
She has great courage and is such an inspiration.
What an inspiration and an "in your face reminder" of what extremists are capable of. I hope she runs for the Kyl's senate seat and her husband runs for her district seat. Or the reverse. Each way both will win and help move our country forward. America voted for the divided government and got Boehner's dysfunctional family instead. He can't count votes and pass laws. He can drink and take lots of time off. Good for a retired old man but not good for the Speaker of the House. We need to change direction from a dysfunctional Congress to one that works for us again. This couple would be a welcome addition towards that conclusion. Obama 2012.
Hey, looky here Dangerfield. "Extremists."
So Senator Kyle was duly elected, correct ANAB? He participates in Senate votes, and as far as I know he has never employed extremist tactics like suicide bombings, right?
So enlight us as you why you refer to him as an extremist.WHat hw he done that Reid or any other senators have not done. You know like the Obamacare votes. I presume none of the dems werre extremist then, correst? So how is your issue not the result?
Extremists and terrorists achieve their results through bad methods.
Feel free to chime in as well Dangerfield, as it appears you too are emotinally invested in our little process.
Spanky yourself,
And I was told my spelling is bad, guess it gets the best of us. Looks like its getting to you. You need to let the hate out more, it will relax you. If Gifford decides to run for office again she should win easily just on guts alone. Try being in her shoes, how would you react to having your brain on the sidewalk, how hard would you work to recover without complaining all day long as you do here. She is a much better person than you Spanky, not even in the same ball park.
She is lovely Tis. And I use the spell check every 4th post.
So tell us how or why Kyle is an extremist.
Oh and I don't hate. In fact I am a people person.
You will note that Ana B failed to respond. Sad.
[In fact I am a people person.]
ROTFLMFAO!!
Here, let me fix that for you, Schpanky:
In fact I am a person person...ME!
There...all fixed...
Spanky, good afternoon. Been running into your posts today on all the threads. As you said two weeks ago:"I am a people person". I take you at your word even though I still think it s a funny statement. :)
i prefer to think as you as a"people person in training."
Last week you were really trying, but still too many questions?? and not enough full sentence responses.But I know you can do it.
How's the job hiring going? Hope it is a new hire and not a replacement. The government does really need those withholding taxes.
Spanky,
Unlike you, I do have a life that takes me away from this posting. So I apologize for taking time to respond to you but let me respond with a question? . . . . What are you talking about? First you can't spell the Senator's name correctly. Next just because he was the next sentence on my post does not mean I was referring to him as an extremist. Was he an extremist in your mind while you were reading my post maybe? Did he do something to resemble an extremist? Let me know and definitly look up his name if you want to defend him. It would, at minimum, show him some respect.
Whatever Rep. Giffords decides I wish her well. God bless you Gabby.
She is such an inspiration to a sadly deteriorating planet. Would sure be nice to see her run for Governor or Senator, considering how pathetic Arizona's leadership is! And how deeply her spirit is needed.
Unfortunately Gabby Giffords won't be able to run for the Senate in 2012 as a result of being shot. It's a shame because she would have been a formidable candidate.
Labeling the actions your opponent is taking in a situation is a bit different from threatening SPECIFIC people (Palin on Giffords) and throwing around treasonous crap like 'if ballots don't work then we'll resort to bullets'.
Better choices of wording could have been used but at no time were the dems (oh wait, and the republicans too, that's right) threaten the tea party with anything. But we don't expect the myopic tea party to see that...