Politics

Should Gabby Giffords Step Down? ‘The Five’s’ Eric Bolling Thinks it Might Be Time

The Five Asks if Gabrielle Giffords Should Step DownArizona’s 8th congressional district will soon be faced with some difficult questions — and the answers may not be as clear-cut, or even as obvious as they may seem. Should a woman, shot brutally while serving her country as Congresswoman, be allowed to retain her seat and serve her constituents as she continues down the path to recovery — even though a full recovery may not materialize in the coming months or even years?

Some, like ‘The Five’s” Eric Bolling, argue that in these dire economic times, constituents, and the country as a whole, are best-served only by those fully capable. Others, however, argue that Giffords “took a bullet” for her country, and thus deserves the support of her country, and more specifically, her constituents.

Touching on the topic of Giffords’ capabilities and future in Congress, Bolling said that while he found her recent interview heartwarming, a special election should probably be held to replace her. “In the risk of sounding very callous– these are tough times, the economy’s on its ear, we really need all hands on deck.,” Bolling said. “For me, it seems like — forget next year — maybe even now say ‘Hey look, maybe they should hold a special election right away to see if he we can get someone who is really capable and able to make the right decisions.”

Co-host Bob Beckel expressed concern that Giffords’ situation could affect not only her constituents, but also her family, saying, “I wonder for her own sake, for her future — they want to have a kid — I wonder going through a grueling campaign is just not too much for her or her constituents.”

Mediaite adds:

Brian Kilmeade thought one of her staffers could substitute for her while she recuperated.

“The way I feel about it, play a man down in the house. Anything to make her progress better, get a chief of staff that people trust,” Kilmeade proposed. “Introduce him– you know staffers do a lot of the work anyway and see if this is something she wants to do. I think the country has to support her….if she formed a staff in her likeness, people that she believes what she believes, if they can do a lot of the work for her while she rehabs, if that is something she wants — she took a bullet to the head for this country! At least she can finish her job if she chooses!”

Should Gabby Giffords’ constituents stand by her? Should they consider Kilmeade’s suggestion of choosing a Giffords-staffer to fill in during the recovery? Do Giffords’ sacrifice, and the manner in which she was attacked, command a moral obligation and a secured seat in Congress? Or does Arizona’s 8th district, and Congress as a whole, need to focus on the practical matters at hand, regardless of how callous it may seem?

Comments (137)

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  • olddog
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 12:04am

    Giffords should keep her job, being just as competant as any liberal in office..

    Report Post » olddog  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 1:24am

      Reality warping:
      If she was the head of the FBI or CIA would the let her keep her job? No! The Dems and Obama now have a set the can manipulate at will………. or do you really think she has any input? She should go!

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 1:39am

      oops(seat)

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 4:47am

      So , shes a congresswoman , her husband is an astronaut… How many mom and pop businesses does it take, just to pay for these two people ? Im thinkin twenty or thirty small businesses just to support these two, i also just read where she is concerned about Sarah Palins , map with bullseye targets on it…… I wonder if she is equally concerned about Joe “ the moron” Biden telling the unions that they , quote…. Fired the first shot…? Somehow i doubt it. These people make me sick. I dont care if she got shot by some kook… So did eight other people that day, including a dead nine year old, do we ever hear from these other people ? Oh thats right , they dont have the power to push a socialist agenda, but ole Gabby is still useful !!!

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 8:13am

      WAIT… maybe she is… the one in the Book of Revelation. Maybe, she…

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • amagaux
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 9:46am

      The taxpayers paid her medical, we pay her salary and perks; so, now we pay her retirement too. Cut her lose, let her go.

      Report Post »  
    • Welcome Black Carter
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 10:15am

      They kept Ted Kennedy in there ’till he was room temperature…He was brain dead for years.
      Taking her out of office would be the right thing to do… so we know that will not happen.

      Report Post » Welcome Black Carter  
    • borisbadinoff
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 12:15pm

      That may very well be true but Arizona State Law says that any elected official that cannot officiate in their office for six month MUST be replaced. We used to be a nation of laws. Now we are just a nation of lawyers.

      I am not in her district but I would NOT want to go without representation for almost a year. That would not be fair to any of her 500,000+ constituents. She should be replaced because she cannot fulfill her office.

      I would bet the farm that if she had been a Republican or anything other than a Damacrat the call for her being replaced would have started about an hour after the shooting and would have been led by Damacrats.

      I wish I were in her district as I would be happy to file a suit to force the replacement even if she were a non Damacrat. Citizens used to have rights but now only the politicians do.

      Report Post » borisbadinoff  
    • Time2Speak
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 12:26pm

      While I am saddened that she was shot and will never be the competent to continue, she’s long overdue in being replaced.

      As a resident in Gifford’s district, the facts are:
      a) We have had no representation whatsoever for the past 10 months. Those continuing the ruse that she can continue, do so dishonestly, and for obviously questionable and partisan reasons.
      b) Prior to the shooting last Feb, Gifford’s spent the MAJORITY of her time in Houston, TX … NOT in Tucson, Arizona. She disqualified herself as a legitimate “Representative” by LIVING in TX … not AZ.

      Report Post »  
  • simarilian
    Posted on November 16, 2011 at 12:02am

    We don’t need another Brain damaged politician with a life long indulgence.
    Honor her sacrifice, but give her job to someone who is not challenged by daily life and trying to heal her best.

    Report Post »  
  • COFemale
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:57pm

    I am not sure she is mentally physical to complete her position. The little bit of her conversation I heard gave me the impression she did experience some brain damage and her thought process could be compromised. She seemed almost child like in her answers. I would also be saying this if Gabby was a Republican, so it is not because she is a Democrat.

    Although we are on different sides of the aisle, I do wish her a complete recovery and it is unfortunate that a stupid wacko did so much damage. I think she should concentrate on recovery as she always can run for office later. It is not like she is 80 or 90 years old.

    Report Post » COFemale  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 1:30am

      Thanks for putting it so well! We all wish Ms. Giffords “God Speed”…she can always run again in the future. No one can convince me that she is as “capable” as she was before the shooting…it just is not possible.

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • hifi74
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 10:00am

      All politics aside, this should be like the tolling of the bell at a military funeral. That final call to rest. You did your duty and now it is time for another to take your place. I truly hope she recovers, but it’s time for her to pass the baton and let someone else carry it for awhile so she can focus on family and recovery. Whether its putting a proxy in her place for now, or stepping down to a special election it doesn’t matter.

      Report Post » hifi74  
  • goobert
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:56pm

    Dumb story. Not worth reading. Who cares.

    Report Post » goobert  
    • COFemale
      Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:59pm

      And your name says it all, except Goober is without a T.

      Report Post » COFemale  
  • Ashley
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:49pm

    She should step down with dignity and respect. Otherwise, she will set herself up to be used by the left, as horrible as that sounds. Look at Senator Robert Byrd for an example of someone who stayed way past their time. It is sad. But, when it is time to go, it is time to go.

    Report Post »  
    • chrisden
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 1:13am

      I agree that she should step down. It is the right thing to do for this nation in her time of need. We all understand her great sacrifice, but this nation cannot afford to have someone who doesn’t understand the complexity of the legislation they are voting on. God bless Gabby and may she continue to show wonderful and sustained signs of improvement.

      Report Post »  
    • SCHEXbp
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 5:51am

      Sen Johnson (D-SD, I think) had a stroke & stayed in office. Eventually he was at some hearings straining to read some prepared stuff in slow slurred speech. Looked incompetent & controlled by Demo Hierarchy – so what else is new?

      Report Post »  
  • Cold War Vet
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:43pm

    While I do not agree with the Democrat party line, It was heinous and horrible to see a woman shot in the head by some inbred cretin psychopath. Unimaginably heartbreaking to see her suffering, which must be very painful.

    I cannot comment on her ability to serve, since I’m not versed in her current mental capacities. I want what is best for everyone concerned, whatever that may be. I wish her, her astronaut husband and family the best going into Thanksgiving.

    Report Post » Cold War Vet  
    • grannyjojo
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 12:55am

      I totally agree with you. May God bless her and her family. This woman took a bullet from a mentally derranged man while she was doing her duties as an American citizen. If she is mentally and physically able to continue (even if she needs a LITTLE help) I believe she should stay if she wants to. The most IMPORTANT thing is for her and her family to heal. If she chooses to step down I personally believe she should be able to use the politicans retirement fund. If anybody deserves it she does, in my opinion. She should also have ALL medical and related bills paid for by our tax dollars. She was doing the states business when she was shot. I believe thats nothing but fair, especially when you consider all the lying, cheating and stealing being down on the hill by BOTH parties. And just so you know I AM a conservative, through and through, just fair is fair, no matter who you are. “Every knee will bow and every tongue confess”

      Report Post »  
    • Time2Speak
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 12:32pm

      While I agree with you sir, I think it should be pointed out that:
      a) Those of us residing in her district, have been completely without representation for the past 10 months.
      b) I have serious doubts that if Giffords had been Republican, that the “D’s would have waited this long to force the issue of her being replaced.

      Report Post »  
  • johjoh
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:42pm

    Yes she should.

    Report Post » johjoh  
  • Black Midge
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:41pm

    She has to do the right thing, its up to family and staff to coach her to do it at this point, but it must be done. She is one of the few in Washington that deserves full retirement, and full health care.
    Good Luck Gabby

    Report Post » Black Midge  
  • ErinLindsey
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:39pm

    It’s not her fault that she was hurt, but it happened. I‘m not sure why they didn’t just replace her right after the shooting. It‘s obvious that she’ll never be what she was before the shooting. I know this from personal experience.

    Report Post » ErinLindsey  
  • sammiec
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:36pm

    I think she should be replaced. She’s probably a really nice person, but I feel she cannot represent her district. she needs to realize her limitations and step down.

    Report Post »  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:39pm

      This is a very tough question. From the few clips I’ve heard of her, she’s starting to string words together, and clearly her intellect is present, if stilted by her speech.

      I honestly have no answer to this. It’s quite a quandry.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
  • Quagaar Warrior
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:35pm

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    DUH!!
    All she’ll get from now on is a sympathy vote and nothing to do with policy.
    But then again, democrats use sympathy and emotion to aquire votes since they always lose in the arena of ideas anyway. Plus anyone who runs against her now will be labeled as a hate filled, unsympathetic meanie who loves guns and wants her to fail simply because she’s a woman.
    The democrat leadership will use her for thier own selfish gain, GUARANTEED!!!
    MARK MY WORDS!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Report Post »  
    • Time2Speak
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 12:37pm

      They already are. And everyone knows that if Giff had been an “R”, the “D’s” would have long ago been out there calling for her replacement.

      Report Post »  
  • dangmc
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:29pm

    I haven‘t heard her speak yet so I can’t make a judgement call as to how well her recovery is coming along, maybe her husband could run for her seat next year. I there has been some precedent for that; I don‘t remember the details but I’m pretty sure…..yes, I remember now. Former Gov. Wallace of Alabama died and his wife won his seat. I will say that Rep. Giffords is well liked & respected down here-she’s not a Pelosi ideologue!

    Report Post » dangmc  
  • LimbaughJr
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:28pm

    I feel horrible for Congresswoman Giffords. I don’t agree with her politically. I do not approve of how her and her husband are now just the political mechanisms of the left. That said, I question her ability to hold office. I saw the 20/20 interview. My two feelings were 1.) what a real tragedy the shooting was and what it did to a capable, brilliant person, and 2.) Most of what she said was clearly coached.
    I pray for her and her family, but I know how her situation will be manipulated into a political guilt trap. If she runs again, she won’t be able to campaign on any useful issues facing our nation. Her allies on the left will twist any campaign against her into an unsympathetic GOP attack on someone they are responsible for injuring. My guess is that her husband will end up running, but either way this will be another political trap.

    Report Post » LimbaughJr  
    • Time2Speak
      Posted on November 16, 2011 at 12:40pm

      The problem here, is that her husband lives in Houston, TX. She was supposed to be representing southern Arizona. He’d have to change residences and live there in AZ for a while before he could run.

      Report Post »  
  • Libertarian B 4 Libertarians Were Cool
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:28pm

    Shot in the head? Is that all? Now she has the mental acuity of Reid, Pelosi, Waters, Waxman, Obama, Biden, Leahy, Mikulski, Stabenow, Schumer, Markey, etc. What’s the problem?

    Report Post » Libertarian B 4 Libertarians Were Cool  
  • donh2
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:20pm

    James Brady…He took leave ….resigning when a bullet rendered his service to the President incompetant. We have a 25th amendment to remove Presidents who become mentally unfit to serve. What is good for the President ought to apply to members of congress.

    Report Post »  
  • A Conservatarian
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:15pm

    She’s my congresswoman in Tucson. I had run into her around town as well at restaurants and other functions before the shooting, she is not even remotely the same now. It’s tragic, very; my friend’s uncle, was the federal judge John Roll. Another friend of mine went to high school with Gabe Zimmerman and was in the same social circles and a past coworker is good friends with the mother of little Christina Taylor. That shooting hit home to me on a few fronts. All that being said, Giffords must be replaced. She was elected to represent her constituents and she cannot do so in her current state and should not be expected to either. She was and is incapacitated, pretending she was and is not is foolish.

    Report Post » A Conservatarian  
    • chips1
      Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:26pm

      She is much more capable of performing her duties than Obama, Pelosi, Reid, or those other marxists.

      Report Post »  
    • A Conservatarian
      Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:31pm

      Chips, as soon as Liberalism is designated by the DSM bunch as a mental disorder, neurosis and/or psychosis!

      Report Post » A Conservatarian  
  • vinnymac46
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:10pm

    If it was an “R” before her district the liberal media, Al Sharpton, Ed Shultz, hell even Axlerod would be screaming for her to be replaced for the good of country. She was voted to do a job and “speak” on behalf of the people of district…enough said.

    Report Post » vinnymac46  
    • dmforman
      Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:49pm

      Very true. So many double standards in our media. The people did not elect her staff. They elected her. She must do the honorable thing, and step down from her office. She has full benefits and a nice pension, something anyone else who had this happen to them would not most likely have.

      Report Post »  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:54pm

      I may be wrong, but isn’t she pro-gun and mostly “conservative” by most standards (not all most), even though she’s called a liberal?

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
  • Slayer
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:09pm

    I‘m going to go out on a limb and suggest that if they can’t get her to run again, the Left try to use Giffords to plant another Leftist in her place outside of an election. For instance, the people will be asked to ‘do it for Gabby’ and just forgo an election – instead, Gabby will pick who SHE wants to fill the seat. After all, don’t we owe her because of all the suffering the TEA Party put her through?
    Don’t be surprised if you see something along these lines.

    Report Post » Slayer  
  • Woo
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:09pm

    I wish her nothing but the best moving forward and think they should have killed the guy right there in the parking lot the day it happened.

    Let her husband make a run at the seat if they want to hold on to some of the power but she has the mind of a 5 year old now and needs to be replaced.

    We don’t send people to DC for feel good human interest stories.

    Report Post »  
  • drmarkr
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:07pm

    Well….I AM one of her constituents, and I certainly didn’t elect one of her staff members to serve my interests in Congress. It’s a horrible, tragic nightmare that this occurred to her (and the other victims), but she is clearly unable to carry out the duties she was elected to perform.

    It’s time for her to step aside and allow a special election….as if the Dems will ever allow that to occur.

    Report Post »  
  • Talmid of Yeshua
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:04pm

    Yes, she should step down. She’s a ******. She was a ****** before she got shot, and now she’s even more so.

    Report Post » Talmid of Yeshua  
    • A Conservatarian
      Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:19pm

      I am not a liberal or democrat, she’s my congress woman. But I want you to know, if you weren’t such a little d!ck, we’d feel sorry for you. Personally, I do feel sorry for you. But as it stands, the way you behave – I feel I can speak for the entire bunch commenting when I tell you Talmid… go f(_)ck yourself.

      Report Post » A Conservatarian  
    • Shasta
      Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:35pm

      Talmid, I do not know what words you used that had be be hidden behind the asterisks, but as a staunch conservative, I have to tell you that you are an ass and I do not stand with you. She is a wonderful person. No, not ‘was’, ‘is’.

      Report Post » Shasta  
  • canutillomom
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:03pm

    I really don’t see how she can fulfill her duties at this time. She should step down and concentrate on healing.

    Report Post »  
    • AOL_REFUGEE
      Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:12pm

      Is it really THAT critical for HER, however compromised, to nevertheless do whatever she can/can’t do as a Congresswoman? Her priority should be SURVIVING, and being happy to do so. The country’s priority should NOT be waiting for her to catch up. For crying out loud, she‘s not God’s gift, despite her misfortune.

      Report Post » AOL_REFUGEE  
  • YoungBloodNews
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:01pm

    Meet Brain K. – Government shill
    “Brian Kilmeade thought one of her staffers could substitute for her while she recuperated.”

    Yeah, thats NOT how it works, she cant just pass the duty to someone not elected. But you know thats what these big gov. types like. True colors are showing B, should’ve stuck to sports

    Report Post » YoungBloodNews  
    • Woo
      Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:16pm

      Please no. He screws up sports just as bad.

      Report Post »  
    • dmforman
      Posted on November 15, 2011 at 11:52pm

      The people didn’t hire her staffers, they voted for her to do the job. If she is not able to do the job, I am sorry but she needs to have honor and step down and allow someone that can do the job get elected for the position. She walks away much better than the average American would in the same situation, with full health benefits and a pension, so it’s not like she is going to be on the street as most of us regular folks would be in that same situation.

      Report Post »  
  • ChristyJo0354
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 10:59pm

    I agree with Eric. It’s a horrible tragedy that happened to her and I wish her the very best and a full recovery. However, I believe her husband should have the common sense to talk her into giving up her seat and hold a special election to fill it.

    Report Post » ChristyJo0354  
  • Ducky 1
    Posted on November 15, 2011 at 10:58pm

    This is up to her and her constituents.

    Report Post » Ducky 1  
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