Historically Pro-Gun Democrat To Fox News: Gun Control Is Not Dead, We Will ‘Absolutely’ Try Another Vote
Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) expressed optimism that the Senate could take up another stab at gun control, with a bill that expands criminal background checks and reforms mental health restrictions for gun ownership.
Discussing his desire to revive a narrower version of gun control legislation with Republican Sen. Pat Toomey (Penn.), Manchin urged to host Chris Wallace that his detractors understand the legislation before dismissing it.
“The only thing we’ve asked for is for people to read the bill,” the West Virginia Democrat said.
Manchin was once considered a strong ally of the National Rifle Association, but in the wake of 2012’s Newtown massacre he has since reassessed his views, once suggesting that “it’s time to rethink gun control.”
The Democrat told Wallace that, given his “gun culture background,” he feels his adjustments to the legislation could make for meaningful changes in the voting results. ”I truly believe that if we have time to sell the bill and if people will read the bill,” it will pass, he said.
When Wallace suggested that Manchin’s colleague Toomey has moved on from passing their gun control legislation, the W. Virginia senator replied: “I don’t think he’s done. I was with Pat last night, and Pat’s totally committed to this bill. And I believe that with all my heart. And we’re gonna work this bill.”
Watch below, via Fox News:
