President Barack Obama faced two tests when he spoke Wednesday night at a memorial service for the six people killed in the Arizona shooting — make an emotional connection and comfort a grieving community.
Obama honored heroes and victims, but his tribute to the youngest victim may have helped him connect with people who attended the service in Tucson or watched on television.
“And then there is nine year-old Christina Taylor Green,” Obama said. “In Christina, we see all of our children.”
Christina had gone with a neighbor to meet Representative Gabrielle Giffords on Saturday at an event where a gunman opened fire.
Obama described her as a curious and trusting child who was “just becoming aware of our democracy,” who saw public service as exciting and her congresswoman as a potential role model.
