More

Featuring fresh takes and real-time analysis from HuffPost's signature lineup of contributors
Michael Shaw

GET UPDATES FROM Michael Shaw
 

Reading the Pictures: Gabby Giffords Steps Down ... Then Up

Posted: 01/23/2012 11:48 am



Well, I got emotional watching the video. If you haven't seen it, you can watch it here:

You'd have to have a pretty cold heart not to feel the ache of every switch between Giffords before and Giffords now.

At the same time, however, this felt like anything but a thank you and farewell. Watch the first eleven seconds again, with the Western montage, and then the next four as Gabby begins: "Arizona is my home." Given the format, the music, the length, it's almost indistinguishable from a campaign video. Now, you might say the ad style simply pays respects to her passion and dedication to the role, and reluctance to let it go. I think it's a lot more savvy than than that, though. (You recall the famous: "Hello, I must be going!" line?) Given how the recovery and rehab has been as heedful media-wise as medically, this reads like a formal re-introduction -- the announcement that, (if and) as soon as it's humanly possible, Gabby's back in the ring.

----------


Topping LIFE.com's 2011 list of Best Photo Blogs, follow us at: BagNewsNotes; BAG Twitter; BAG Facebook; and sign up for our Emails.

 

Follow Michael Shaw on Twitter: www.twitter.com/bagnewsnotes

 
 
  • Comments
  • 15
  • Pending Comments
  • 0
  • View FAQ
Comments are closed for this entry
View All
Favorites
Recency  | 
Popularity
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Dorian Kunkel
03:24 PM on 01/25/2012
My mother suffered massive brain trauma in 1968. Thanks to my father, a dedicated physical therapist and friends who stepped up above and beyond, she recovered and went back to work a year later. It takes a village to help someone recover from this kind of insult and luckily for Gabby she has that. My thoughts and prayers are with her and Mark as they now begin this part of their lives.
photo
brooklyncitizen
Quaerite primum regnum dei
12:34 AM on 01/24/2012
Beter gun laws would help.
Glad to see she has come back so much. Lucky she has her hubby to lean on/
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
RDWidner
A Libertarian by nature. A free man by act of God.
09:28 AM on 01/24/2012
Gun laws are not a solution to criminal insanity.
photo
brooklyncitizen
Quaerite primum regnum dei
01:39 PM on 01/24/2012
Easy access to guns by the criminally insane wwould be remdied by better gun laws.
No one should be able to purchase withoutthorough background check and a reasonable waiting period.
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
jude1935
11:44 PM on 01/23/2012
As a R.N. I am always amazed at the triumph of the human spirit to survive and transcend such trauma. It is truly a testament to who this lady is; come back to us soon, Gabby. We need you. Until then, you and your family are in my prayers.
This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program
tiredofpc
retired: RN,Adult NP,USAR
09:30 PM on 01/23/2012
As one of her constituents, she will always have my vote. I hope she'll be back soon. In the meantime, Godspeed.
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
temmaleah
07:58 PM on 01/23/2012
it always seems as if the good ones are gone from the scene too soon,and we get to keep what's left. to me gabby giffords portrays the same moral character shown in james stewarts mr deeds goes to washington...and we have hardly seen since. god bless you and thanks for giving this one citizen the hope there are more like you out there. get better soon and come back to us.......god obviously gave you back to mark and us for a reason.
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
mustlovecats2
06:27 PM on 01/23/2012
I have the greatest respect for this woman. She is full of courage and bravery. I wish her the best of recoveries, and that she can return in her own time.
07:41 AM on 01/24/2012
I agree with you, 100%. You put into words, what I was thinking
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
2pence
ignorance should not be contagious
06:02 PM on 01/23/2012
Grace and Dignity. I don't need to say more.
photo
TggerJen
Protect at snowleopard.org
05:36 PM on 01/23/2012
It's great to see the improvement she has made and I hope she is soon recovered so she can do whatever she wishes to do. She's a great lady and her strength is as inspiring as her service was. Go Gabby!
04:09 PM on 01/23/2012
damn that made me cry and sad for our nation.