The Political Timing May Be Right For Trump To Act On Gun Control, But What Could That Look Like?
With the NRA dealing with internal drama, political experts say there's a window of opportunity for Republicans to pass some kind of gun control. "Because of President Trump's popularity with the base of the Republican Party, he has a unique opportunity to embrace some modern, limited, and effective safeguards on the sale of new firearms, in addition to action on related issues, like 'red flags' and mental health,” Michael Steel, a Republican strategist, tells Politico. But the odds are still slim to get anything through both chambers and the president.
The New York Times:
Trump Weighs New Stance On Guns Amid Changing Politics
In the wake of two mass shootings, the divisive politics of gun control appeared to be in flux on Thursday as President Trump explored whether to back expanded background checks on gun purchasers and Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican majority leader, signaled that he would at least be open to considering the idea. It is not clear that either the president or Mr. McConnell will embrace such legislation, which both of them have opposed in the past and which would have to overcome opposition from the National Rifle Association and other powerful conservative constituencies. (Stolberg, Haberman and Martin, 8/8)
Politico:
Donald Trump’s Nixon-To-China Moment On Guns
President Donald Trump sees a rare political opportunity to act on gun control — and if there was ever a time to do it, this is probably it. Nine out of 10 Trump voters support universal background checks, according to a new poll — and a majority favor other gun control measures. The NRA is in shambles. And Trump's reelection hopes would be helped mightily by more support among moderate suburban voters — who back the measures but abandoned Republicans in the midterms. (Kumar, 8/8)
Los Angeles Times:
Trump Again Gives Mixed Signals On Gun Background Checks
The president has defined an end goal — keeping guns out of the hands of the mentally ill — in broad terms, seemingly conflating background checks and so-called red flag laws in a way so that either could be defined as a major accomplishment. But Trump’s optimism does not seem to align with Washington’s static political reality. While opinion polls show expanding background checks is broadly popular, a majority of Republican lawmakers oppose it, complicating the passage of federal legislation by a dysfunctional, deeply divided Congress. (Stokols, 8/8)
