The Daily Joe Biden’s 30-Year Quest for Gun Control
Mar 24, 2021
Sheryl Gay Stolberg, a Washington correspondent for The New York Times, dives into Joe Biden's long-standing battle for gun control. She sheds light on his advocacy for an assault weapons ban and the political hurdles he's faced since the 1994 legislation. The conversation reflects on the emotional weight of recent mass shootings and the need for bipartisan support. Stolberg also discusses how personal stories are reshaping the narrative around gun safety, and examines the complex landscape Biden must navigate amid resistance from key lawmakers.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Biden's First Gun Control Victory
- In 1994, Joe Biden, then Senate Judiciary Chairman, spearheaded the first assault weapons ban.
- This bill restricted specific semi-automatic firearms and magazine capacity, seen as a win for gun control advocates.
Political Fallout of the Assault Weapons Ban
- The 1994 assault weapons ban, while a victory, became politically costly for Democrats.
- Blamed for election losses, it fostered a fear of gun control legislation within the party.
The Manchin-Toomey Bill's Defeat
- After the Sandy Hook shooting, President Obama tasked Biden with leading the charge on gun control legislation.
- Despite a bipartisan effort, the Manchin-Toomey bill expanding background checks failed, marking a major setback.