Photos: 2013 Bruce, Blues & BBQ

Signifying his move to a statewide candidacy, Congressman Bruce Braley moved his annual “Bruce, Blues & BBQ” event to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines this year.

Much like Tom Harkin himself, this event can never replace the Harkin Steak Fry but it will succeed it in being one of the signature Iowa political events of the year.

Naturally, the camera and I went. Here’s the full set.

Congressman Braley speaking with a supporter before he takes the stage

This year’s special guest was former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head in January 2011 and resigned her seat just over a year later. She was joined by her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly who did most of the speaking. When she did speak, it was powerful enough to get me to stop snapping photos.

The Fighter

“I’m working hard — lots of therapy: speech therapy, (physical) therapy and yoga, too, but my spirit’s strong as ever. I’m still fighting to make the world a better place and you can, too… Be passionate. Be courageous. Be your best.”

She’s truly an inspiration. If she can overcome her challenges, why can’t we overcome anything we face?

Want to use my photos for something? Go ahead! Just make sure you properly attribute them to me. Use this text:

Photo by Greg Hauenstein. https://greghauenstein.com/ (CC BY-SA 3.0)