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Can we prevent these types of attacks from happening again? Gun control revisited. And the latest in the fiscal cliff negotiations.
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Wind danger arrived in the halls of sandy -- elementary.
The school's staff did not flinch.
They did not hesitate.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Rachel to be you know.
And Anne Marie Murphy.
They responded to it as we all hope we might respond.
In such terrifying circumstances.
And of course President Obama speaking in Connecticut last night's once again in the role of -- -- in chief here.
As the nation still tries to understand if we ever -- come to grips with what happened in Newtown Connecticut -- CD -- -- elementary school on Friday.
-- -- everything today for.
I'm joined today by Jonathan strong roll call so that we can talk a little bit about.
The fallout from what comes next the conversations that we have.
In light of this tragedy thank -- -- -- and I think you.
All right still.
It didn't take long before the afternoon was over in you -- in receiving I'm sure as I have been receiving numerous.
Notices from the -- from various lawmakers saying it's time now we have to use this as a means to discuss gun control -- Others immediately saying we have laws that are being enforced.
What's the conversation your.
Well the thing about this attack I think this is so horrifying.
And it's just so hard to imagine those kids you know.
You know I have a young daughter you can imagine her -- -- at school and so for that reason -- prompted more than usual outcry on this you have people who want to see stricter laws.
But.
You know I think on Capitol Hill there's a difference between.
These early calls that you're hearing that we have to do something in the political reality they're gonna run up against in congress because you have.
Republican controlled house where speaker John Boehner.
In the Republicans are you know pretty adamant -- gun rights.
And in the senate as senate majority leader Harry Reid is also a strong ally of the NRA so.
-- major hurdles to any in significant gun control legislation passed in congress.
Yes it sounds like -- a lot of the -- on the Sunday -- yesterday was about the fact that we reached in many people's opinion it tipping point.
When you have something as horrific as this it involves children.
And it's just one of numerous mass shootings that we had in the last year that there may be a sense of -- change time for change right.
Honest and also with the president with his words very carefully that seeming to signal.
She would be ready to move forward on this well.
Right now it is true that I think you're seeing some kind of -- where there's certainly a lot of movement.
I don't know if that's enough to get to the point where congress is passing some of these things.
Interestingly if you look very closely -- what President Obama has said.
He seems to be signaling that what he's gonna do is take action on his own administrative action.
Change the regulations of the Department of Justice they implement laws that are already on the books because.
For potentially he knows he won't be able to get anything through.
Just -- that's very interesting because we've seen a lot of that from this administration first term second term I'm definitely is no reelection come raining.
-- the amount of proposed federal regulations say in the last thing he's almost 6000 of them.
And on and -- watching very closely because this president who was a constitutional law instructor.
-- -- is sometimes -- with congress on interpretations of the balance of power the checks and balances.
How much respect do you think that he would get if you try to go around congress and something as important as Second Amendment Rights pro.
Probably a considerable amount I mean.
Direct this is a favorite tactic of president Obama's and it's funny -- -- given that he's a constitutional lawyer he's been.
Very bold in pushing the envelope of his constitutional authorities.
One of the instances was that recess appointment he did.
When congress was not actually in recess so you know he might try something pretty aggressive you did seem to see.
A sense of determination in his voice in his remarks.
But I mean -- account or significance.
Opposition especially on an issue like guns where.
This the origin of the Second Amendment is to prevent government tyranny.
And so you're you're gonna touch a nerve there if you try to go around congress and you know.
Tiny -- the Supreme Court obviously over the last -- -- a couple really big second in the decisions that Heller case McDonald case out of Chicago.
-- just this week to seven certainly that was out of them -- in case out of Illinois again pressing for even broader gun rights.
But what if the president does decide to push this.
Senator Feinstein you know who -- been a big advocate -- tougher gun control laws has already announced which she claims to -- she says she's gonna have help on the house side as well.
But goes -- lawmakers -- are strong advocates of -- personal rights under the Second Amendment.
How -- -- uncomfortable would it be for them though this week win the nation is just absolutely devastated by what they see these young little kid's pictures.
How a couple of before a pro gun rights.
Lawmaker to CNET and -- Not gonna back -- in fact we're gonna fight you.
Right where you saw yesterday's Meet the Press sound on Twitter that they contacted 31 senators who are pro gun rights and asked them to come on him.
And none of them more than and then you see the NRA they go into silent mode on their social media they stopped tweeting.
So there's going to be this time period in which it's a very sensitive and -- and I think you'll see some of them.
Defenders of gun rights stay quiet for a while.
It doesn't mean the debate eventually won't come back because that's the way that these things -- to ago.
Very cyclical it's interesting though -- congressman -- over at Texas Republican was signed with Chris Wallace on FOX News Sunday yesterday so.
I get the feeling that -- had some challenges as well finding somebody who would be perfect comments speak about -- -- the issue.
On but I thought he did -- in very recent weigh in and speaking of the Second Amendment in the original intention and you know I I think there's it's a conversation to be had there -- people who are both sides so.
We'll have to see how they have it on the hill and down what do you think they'll also legislative it -- about them.
Senator Lieberman's line and it and it seems as senator Feinstein as well.
Sort of setting -- this concept of having a commission on violence I -- a lot of people just sort of roll their eyes and hear questions get another commission.
Do you think it could be helpful do you think you can make -- -- -- You know I think there's a lot of fatigue for -- I think however this is an instance where it might work a little bit better and one of the reasons why is.
We don't seem to have a handle on why there have been more mass shootings now.
Win the means have been available for people who do those floor.
As long as we libraries modern history in America I have always had gone so.
Why in the last five years have we seen an uptick I don't think we know the answer to that so if somebody could deliver that answer.
It would probably do a lot to inform how we go forward.
You think that.
-- NRA side of this argument will come -- -- DC they are gonna give it some time do you think that they're going to be in touch with members and making sure that they're on the same page.
-- DC there's just sort of taking a -- -- -- in public.
I don't think they do anything for the love of the game in private they're there I mean right now I'm sure there and kind of red alert smash hit the NRA isn't.
Very sophisticated.
And very powerful.
Organization and error they have it an incredible track record -- victory on this issue so you can't count on them.
We'll see them let's turn to Vince -- -- think -- so much for coming and we appreciate it thank you.
-- stick around coming up on power -- we'll continue this conversation at some new folks to the next from both sides of the aisle.
Q what they have to say how they think this is gonna play out we're gonna time then got the fiscal cliff a whole lot more to stick around we'll be right back.
Can we honestly say there were doing enough.
To keep our children.
All of them.
Say from -- Can we claim as a nation.
There were.
Altogether.
They're letting them know that their loved and teaching them to love and return.
The answers not.
We're not doing enough.
We will have to change.
Then again for president Obama's remarks last night in the town -- kid -- he was scarcely mentioned earlier again playing this release had -- -- several times in the wake up.
Mass shootings -- taken lives and wounded folks all across the country in its -- again this conversation about.
What do we do next what can we do what will make a difference -- won't make a difference.
Talk about it a couple of experts like to call a time to time I'm -- -- it for Christmas firewall today on power play but got trade -- with doesn't.
In strategists and also Christie -- -- president and CEO of new heights communications democratic strategists think you look.
Our -- give -- a little bit of what we got from folks commenting our our initial segment that we had.
We have now of one common guns are not the problem we need to change the integrity of our government and the people in this country we must bring back quality core values like faith.
The only and patriotism.
Came -- -- that kind of -- factors will.
I think it does a lot let me first say this I I tend to be rather cynical August 20 years in this town can do that here -- A little bit -- minute.
Game I've seen at times I've seen discussed but it unfortunately more times I think I've seen the worst -- and I saw something really good.
I was incredibly moved by the president's speech.
It ends.
It was so he was so resolute it was so real it was so appropriate.
And the president was is 100% correct we we have to change I'm -- hunter I support the Second Amendment.
But for the life of me I I don't understand why the general public is allowed to purchase weapons that are manufactured for Navy SEALs in the military and and our law enforcement so I thought the way it was appropriate for him not to get into specifics last night but I thought the way he discussed it.
Was right on hand to your point about integrity and the comments that you're getting.
Can be political or partisan and mean if if this doesn't get the two sides to sit down and do something I don't.
Christina needed another comment let's you responded this from Johnny if people want to restrict -- arms.
Submit an amendment and get three quarters of the states to agree obviously we militant very long lengthy complicated process -- add another minute for constitution.
Do you think that's where we'll go.
Now I think that we were gonna go is where the majority of Americans birdies then.
That they want to -- -- simple steps like reenacting the assault weapons ban Dianne Feinstein has already said that the first thing congress she will introduce that bill.
Expired in 2004.
And I think she's gonna.
Back to see that be successful.
And we've also seen Charlie charities but does anyone background checks and that they want people who are trafficking -- expand that to be a federal -- as well.
To be certain came pretty simple steps that congress can take their support of an attorney of Americans.
That's -- will start this conversation.
Mint freshness.
Do we do more beyond that.
OK so let's talk through a few of the things we talk about background checks this young man in this latest incident.
Wasn't on anyone's -- didn't have a criminal history we don't understand that he had eight technical mental health history is mother -- obviously.
Was trying to do special things special care for him on neighbors and friends he that he was troubled he had some challenges.
But a background check -- -- did pick up something like we think about Virginia Tech shooter they were red flags all along the way.
Is it about better enforcement of what we now have on the books or adding something -- well.
I think person to notice it starts and it goes to the comment that was made about -- faith and family it starts with everything being vigilant at home.
And with parents' home and but that also goes to my earlier point about.
Having these weapons in the home.
I can't believe people have a right to bear arms but.
By.
What kind of weapons -- in the home and are there concerns and questions about the access to those weapons or -- or this state of the child that -- -- -- the shooters that we've seen in some of these lesser beyond that young adults -- young individuals.
And so there's no question -- -- mental health elements that have to be looked at two.
But -- But from the background check you know.
One idea I I have right now is I think that the president and maybe even -- Republican should stand up and asked every.
American who owns these unnecessary weapons.
To take them to their nearest military base and drop them off which you know they want to.
I understand I think that there should get all -- should be a call for it if we have to do it tax incentive for something has to be done.
If it's just going to save one life where it's going to make things a little safer so yes I think you're right the back I mean this -- It's it's it's implementing more what we have right now in the background checks can be more thorough assure.
Maybe is he do an actual -- for the entire home that these guns are gonna resign but I think more asked -- to.
The point that I wanted to meet this weekend is that in all of these mass shootings that we've seen over the last year a couple of years with the exception -- which obviously was a military -- They've occurred in places that -- gun free zones they were schools and malls movie theaters -- If the shooter was truly planning -- knew that nobody would be there was something that would meet them with the same fire power to stop them.
So how does that factor into this discussion.
Well let's but as of reports that the conversations that we're having now are just starting point.
I agree also with plant entries -- you know voluntary give -- program I also agree that.
I'm and that's certainly not enough but it's a good starting point only done -- in the past is -- as many say you know the I don't you can quantify the number may be -- -- -- -- -- -- that are out there giving giving back and if we know that we are taking common sense -- reduce the number of guns out there is a pretty one to one correlation with.
The number of gun deaths.
I also agree that we need to have a serious conversation about mental health in this country.
And the fact is it is it -- -- troubled teenager.
There aren't a ton of great places to get mental health care and prison tends to be one of the better -- -- and that's the real big problem.
And -- I don't know if you saw this that was something that comes hit social media and I saw everywhere the speaking about the mother who wrote the story basically saying yes I am adamantly -- mother Betty and rhetorically obviously that apparently -- that.
She's a very troubled son and she told the story about desperately trying to get help for him he.
In the comments that he makes and and you know how scared that she is at him but how she's the only person -- sort of trying to put together this puzzle of -- for him.
-- give -- reports that Andy -- and in this case on meat is suffering from Asperger's something along we have to expect spectrum.
Only got a comment on here saying one in 88 are affected with autism and if you think it's a waste of time to find -- -- an extra hour in the world is in big trouble.
Wouldn't.
Yeah absolutely and parent of two young boys and it's.
You know it it it.
Not only do you just feel so much pain for the parents of this incident but it also just makes you realize you have to be more vigilant homes parents I mean.
Any signs just being very aware -- mean you don't want to.
You don't want to.
You know lock your children in and and and and not let them have a life four or not let them live because you're worried about maybe certain experiences are going through.
But at the same time I mean these are just perfect examples of published -- parents need to -- But if I'm right you won't sit on the flip through you know and it's a political show that you know economy one political comment here or non political comment.
And that is on you know I don't believe that you get to disclaim or that you can conveniently disclaimer your president is if you didn't vote for.
And I think that there's some on both sides of the aisle have done -- house.
Barack Obama is our presence in politics aside.
Last night he showed that before politics and policies aside we elect.
Human beings and caring parents before we -- And what he did last night I say as a Republican was a huge step forward.
Was so sincere resolute and I and I hope that all sides will responded court.
And -- team.
This is surprising to me it's surprising to me it does feel like -- tide has turned that you are hearing from.
People like Joseph mansion obviously very permanent saying we need to take actually.
And I've watched this morning is just arbor vicinity of the -- very awkward terms it was an office could be very very impassioned plea to change the way.
Things are going right now.
It really does feel as though we're pretty united on this issue is a country and that's.
Really hard.
The president does not need to give another speech like back.
Too many already this year.
But it was interesting that -- Olmert.
-- of Texas mentioned in the last segment obviously was on -- in response yesterday when Chris pressed him about specific weapons and -- people and he knows.
She was very sensible and not emotional letter that his argument obviously was.
The founders including the in the second minute news that they didn't want it the average citizen to be out -- the -- -- -- governor -- -- by the government so I'm sure that part of the conversation looking -- Continue as well.
And I'm gonna say okay.
Coming up next these wonderful folks have agreed to stick around having insurance yes that's okay.
Kind of power play returns and other things that are going on here in Washington this week very important hearing something down the on the hill this weekend course that fiscal cliff as we continue to inch closer to grand.
-- -- -- he's only that he's and then negotiating we're never gonna get the perfect deal.
But I have -- I'm confident that John we'll get the best deal that we can consist -- our principles.
Then you present when the election Democrats took the senate we took a house.
So there is the bargaining going on I think it's wrong for.
Republicans to be second guessing what John may have been might be doing -- lay -- are what they kind of cannot support.
I've told John that based on why -- knowledge of him and his commitment.
I am prepared to support the agreement that he don't -- go she is convinced that if the best agreement that we can get under the circumstances.
That's near Republican Peter King talking about the fact that you know we heard some chatter this weekend about house speaker John -- moving a little bit on.
Allowing taxes to rise on those who earn a million dollars or more.
Is that a lot of heat for him from a lot of Republican and far right sources who say no taxes going up ever.
On that Peter King they're essentially signalling that he would be on board with some of these discussions that you trust Boehner asked -- leader has to do you think other Republicans will sign off on -- -- funny.
Pack I think the context has changed in the context matters and not just that we are getting close for the holidays but also honestly I didn't let me turn tragedy I think it makes.
Some of these other problems look a little petty and very solvable.
I'm making Boehner has always been seen as someone who -- a little -- more willing to compromise -- be reasonable.
And I think that's very appreciated in this context.
That's says it best who you know what is actually on the table right now is still probably not going to be acceptable to Democrats the fact there's there's a huge difference between.
Taxing -- spent a million dollars and taxing comes about 250000.
Dollars.
There -- -- -- things that he hasn't addressed in the current deal including what do we do about sequestration and but we do about extending unemployment benefits of the conversation so goes on but it is a good starting point to some progress -- Absolutely and John Boehner personally and professionally and on the speaker is as -- he's a legislator -- track record for that -- worked very -- Ted Kennedy.
When he was chairman of the education and in the house and senate -- he was chairman on the senate side.
So I think that the Republicans.
Are wise to follow their leader here.
I think it's not as easy a task -- some people -- think.
The party I think as a whole the Republican Party has a little bit of an identity crisis particularly coming out of the selection.
So I think that managing that with respect to where people come down on this final vote or order deal will be difficult.
But.
You know at the end of the day it's going to require compromise it's just not gonna happen without it.
Com and with respect to the million dollars -- fifty you know.
Yes those there is a big gap there but the reality is 250000.
Dollars is not necessarily what it used to be in terms of this economy what -- wealth wise.
So you know their skills of relativity here.
But most importantly to what I think we also really going to be hearing and the Democrats as well as an agreement that.
There have to be some cuts not just on entitlements but just on waste fraud and abuse spending general spending cuts -- mean when you have a credit card debt at home.
You don't go borrow money but -- you know I mean you can look at ways you can cut your discretionary spending at home.
Obviously not as simple with the government but I think it's going to be starting.
These are Antonio little lightning round he got some -- really tidy answers than guys see this week's hearings on the hill know Secretary Clinton just got a confession of Christie doesn't make a difference will we get -- -- answers.
I didn't.
And not many regularly heard he had look I think the people.
Who are criticizing Secretary Clinton for.
Not saying that you have because she's a concussion.
I don't think it looks very good.
You know that they are the ones that are criticizing her for that at the same time this is territory that has been explored again again again again not for me.
I I'm assuming I can criticize -- -- being sicker or compassion I think it is worth delaying the hearings to have her there I think the hearings.
I can't happen -- order.
-- the buck stops there she's the secretary of state -- I think that their important things to look at in terms of if there were things that can be done so it doesn't happen again.
-- but I also know that the clintons are very -- politicians and very very crafty and she's thinking about 2016 and it's not surprising that she is wanna sit in front of congress right now.
-- -- -- We expect in the next five minutes or so that we're gonna get it an announcement from South Carolina governor Nikki Haley.
Replacement for synergy and the man who believing in Jeanne every week expect from what we know right now that is for president Tim Scott and not confirms that comes out of her mouth -- your take on that.
I like it I think it's a good step forward again -- for a party that has it's going through a little bit of an identity crisis right now.
It's gonna say is a hugely symbolic pink obviously -- African Americans represent that state for the first time in a hundred years as a lot for a party that is.
Wider than ever and has a real problem of people of I'm getting the votes of people kind procedure Yankee -- and she should be.
For coming today Jonathan Hunt by the way is up next he will be live in Newtown Connecticut we want to leave you now -- we wrap up power play.
With the presidents and -- and remembering the names of those who lost their lives Friday.
The -- -- elementary.
Charlotte.
Daniel.
Olivia.
Josephine.
And now.
-- -- -- Chase.
Jesse.
James.
-- -- -- Jack.
-- -- -- Jessica.
Benjamin.
-- -- God has called -- -- home.
For those of us who remain.
Let us find the strength to carry on.
And make our country worthy of their memory.
