Gabrielle Giffords' Pledge of Allegiance brings tears - Fox 2 News Headlines

Gabrielle Giffords recited the pledge of allegiance about 5 p.m. Arizona time -- and there was not a dry eye in the house.

It was a stirring moment for the former Arizona Congresswoman who was shot in the head in a horrific mass shooting in Tucson. She resigned earlier this year to focus on her recovery.

Giffords with a distinct limp as she received a standing ovation. Convention spectators had tears in their eyes when she finished. She smiled broadly and waved enthusiastically to the audience as they chanted, "Gabby, Gabby."
 
Giffords has helped out Democrats on occasion. She campaigned for the former aide who took her seat in Congress, Ron Barber. She also formed a political action committee.

Democratic officials, sensing the dramatic effect of Giffords' appearance, pushed back the Pledge a few hours to pave the way for President Obama's big night.

So what does President Obama need to say to win a second term?

FOX 10's Steve Krafft asked folks inside the Time Warner Cable Arena, who were breathlessly awaiting Thursday night's big speech.

Eric McCormack -- formerly of Will and Grace -- thinks the president will knock it out of the park.

"He'll close it. He's one of the best political speakers we've seen in our lifetime. I think he'll kill it," said McCormack.

"He's looking out for real people, he's looking out for the regular worker. That's why I think we should vote for," said delegate Karl De Jong of Washington state.

Edgar Baker Phillips is representing the Virgin Islands.

"It's a tough act to follow, but I believe the president has the level to go on top of that. He just needs to clarify what Bill [Clinton] said in more detail."

Sarah Beamer, delegate of Hawaii, also weighed in.

"Forward to victory is Hawaii's slogan for this year's 2012 Obama election. I think he needs to reiterate the message that he is for the people. I think over the last few days we've seen what he has done over the last 4 years… and he's going to continue to do that, and continue to move forward," said Beamer.

Obama was scheduled to accept his party's nomination in a 70-thousand seat football stadium. And it turned out to be a pretty good call -- there was a torrential downpour in Charlotte Thursday.