Gabby Giffords Returns ...Casts vote for Boehner and Pelosi and WINS THE DAY! -- TPM

[KoKo]

House Passes Major Legislation To Raise Debt Limit
Brian Beutler | August 1, 2011, 6:28PM


The scramble to avoid a catastrophic debt default is almost over -- and with an ending that would make Aaron Sorkin jealous. It was always going to be a dramatic moment, even once it became clear Republican and Democratic leaders had put together the votes to pass a last-minute bill to raise the debt ceiling.

However, the drama was heightened even further by the return of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), who was shot and nearly killed in January at a constituent event in Tuscon.

As the clock ticked down, Democrats and Republicans had engaged in a standoff. Democrats were withholding their votes to force Republicans to go on the record first -- Democrats had no intention of letting Republicans off the hook on legislation that so closely adheres to their interests.

That all ended when Giffords walked into the chamber to a standing ovation, and proceeded to vote in favor of the measure. After a long applause, the votes cascaded in and the measure passed easily.

More at.....

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/08/house-passes-major-legislation-to-raise-debt-limit.php?ref=fpa

[SidDithers]

1. She's one of them Blue Dogs I'm always hearing so much about, right?...nt

Sid

[JI7]

6. yeah, because she is a coward

unlike the true progressives who put their life on the line......

[Ruby the Liberal]

7. Yes, and her return tonight was amazing regardless.

[NYC_SKP]

2. I love Gabby Giffords. She's smart, and this vote was smart and the bill to avoid default was, too.

Good for her, I'm so happy to see her on the House floor again!!!

:bounce:

[KoKo]

4. She seems a lovely person and what happened to her was a truely horrendous act...but

I think the drama of her entrance and the vote is worth noting from Talking Points Memo. There's something interesting about her dramatic appearance at that moment that's worth noting.

And, I'm glad that she's well enough to get about...after what happened to her...but...still it's interesting.

[Ruby the Liberal]

8. You are not alone

on all counts.

[oioioi]

12. Politics is the entertainment branch of industry - Frank Zappa

[Skip_In_Boulder]

3. I was watching the vote on C-span

we she came on the floor and I must say it was a stunning moment. Much like when Bob Livingston resigned during the Clinton impeachment hearings except this was a happy moment.

[KoKo]

5. Indeed happy...but very dramatic considering the gravity of the vote that was taking place. n/t

[Skip_In_Boulder]

9. No one knew she was coming to the floor

or that she was even in Washington until about 2 minutes before her appearance when her office sent out a tweet. What some people are saying that what was stunning about her appearance is that Washington was actually able to keep a secret. :toast:

[AlinPA]

10. I saw a lot of the Democrats clapping and thought it was for the vote having passed the

legislation. Curious whether any republicans took part in welcoming her.

[applegrove]

11. It was heartening to see her so engaged with everyone. She looks great.