Obama backs gun limits, concedes tough fight ahead

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By JULIE PACE

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama endorsed controversial bans on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines on Monday, as well as stricter background checks for gun buyers - but conceded he may not win approval of all in a Congress reluctant to tighten restrictions.

"Will all of them get through this Congress? I don't know," said Obama. He said lawmakers would have to "examine their own conscience" as they tackle gun control legislation after the horrifying Connecticut school shootings but in the face of opposition from the National Rifle Association and other pro-gun rights groups.

Obama spoke at a midday White House news conference one month after the Newtown elementary school rampage, which ignited a national discussion on preventing mass shootings.

The president will unveil a comprehensive roadmap for curbing gun violence within days, perhaps as early as Wednesday. His plan will be based on recommendations from Vice President Joe Biden's gun task force and is expected to include both legislative proposals and several steps Obama can implement himself using his presidential powers.

FULL story at link.


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20130115/DA3QCC502.html

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President Barack Obama gestures as he speaks during the last news conference of his first term in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

[hack89]

1. Reid Downplays Chances for Assault Gun Ban

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid told a Nevada television station Friday that the Senate is unlikely to pass an assault weapons ban or a radical revamp of filibuster rules.

In the interview that aired on Vegas PBS this weekend, Reid, a gun rights supporter, struck a pragmatic tone on gun control measures.

“Let’s be realistic. In the Senate, we’re going to do what we think can get through the House. And I’m not going to be going through a bunch of these gyrations just to say we’ve done something because if we’re really legislators, the purpose of it is to pass legislation,” Reid said.

He said he wants to see what President Barack Obama wants to do by administrative means. Reid also expressed reservations about legislation to outlaw assault weapons, a measure that he has long opposed.

http://cdn.rollcall.com/news/reid_downplays_chances_for_assault_gun_ban_filibuster_changes-220713-1.html?popular=true&zkPrintable=true&cdn_load=true&zkPrintable=1&nopagination=1

[humbled_opinion]

2. Harry Reid is just a miserable cynic...

Bring it to a vote let's see how many lawmakers will side with allowing weapons like those that were used at Sandy Hook to stay in the public sector to be ultimately used again, anyone voting no to a gun ban on these weapons should be made to answer for the next time they are used.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

4. He remembers history and wants this done by the executive branch.

It will protect legislators in the next election

[humbled_opinion]

7. I agree but he must lead the charge...

Look we control the Senate get it passed in the Senate and make the House defend the massacre at Sandy Hook... What possibly can anyone of those not in favor say at the next eulogy?

[ProgressiveProfessor]

9. Obama is leading the charge, that is his job

Reid is trying to protect Democratic legislators from the potential backlash. He remembers what happened last time, but for all those saying this is different, his caution is warranted, especially if we get most of what is needed via the executive branch.

Things will get so bogged down in the house that better enforcement and background checks is all I expect

[NickB79]

12. Obama doesn't have to worry about re-election

The Senate and House Democrats in more rural, pro-gun portions of the nation have to tread very carefully here if they want to keep their seats in the next election cycle.

[BainsBane]

5. gun worshipers depend on miserable cynics

It's up to us to put pressure on politicians to ensure that the multi-billion dollar gun lobby that profits from criminality and murder, and the lackeys that carry their water, cannot continue to terrorize this nation. I'm with you. No Democrat who votes against gun control is worthy of anyone's support in running for public office.

[Autumn]

3. If anyone can get us real gun reform it's this man. I hope he goes for

it and doesn't allow the pukes to derail it.

[BainsBane]

6. or the <cough, cough> "Democrats"

whose views on guns coincidentally correspond with the Tea Party.

[Autumn]

8. Those Democrats, he can slap them in line. The American people want this.

All he has to do is take it there.

[BainsBane]

10. Amen!

Let's keep up the pressure!

[hack89]

11. I don't see Harry Reid being slapped into line. nt

[NickB79]

13. And the GOP majority in the House?

Is Obama going to slap them in line as well?

[Autumn]

14. All Obama has to do is try. As people like to say, Obama has to represent all the people

Pressure can be applied to the pukes. A lot of republicans are for this too.