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Obama takes a hard line on guns, pro-gun Democrats in the hot seat and House Republicans look for a line on debt
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This will be difficult.
There will be pundits and politicians and special interest lobbyists publicly warning of -- to read too radical all out assault on liberty.
-- because that's true.
But because.
They want to gin up fear or higher ratings or revenue for themselves.
And behind the scenes will do everything they can't.
The block any common sense reform and make sure nothing changes whatsoever.
And that was President Obama Hamas rolling down the -- let.
On gun control and this is power -- I -- Chris -- -- happy Thursday Internet.
And -- what you heard the president doing there.
Was escalating the debate.
Gun control impugning the motives of the his opponents saying that they are not on the level that they just in fact.
Are trying to stoke fears so that they can get higher ratings whoever he's talking about there.
And that he is they're trying to sell more guns.
And that they are not really worried about second minute but instead they're worried about riding their own pockets so we'll be broken out.
This does not sound like the beginning of -- deepening bipartisan accord.
So what's the president's strategy what does it mean we'll talk about that today.
We will also talk about what Republicans are gonna talk about.
When they're down in Williamsburg.
-- sort of -- fallout shelter mode trying to figure out how to get off -- she died.
And start winning a little something now and then as they have their aptly named retreat.
And we will also talk about -- whether pro gun Democrats red state Democrats.
Are going to be brought to -- on the issue of gun control we will do all that we will have Charles we -- our points it will be fun.
But I can think of no better way to started than with mr.
Sunday himself Chris Wallace the host of FOX News Sunday with Chris Wallace.
Mr.
Wallace welcome back to the -- thank you okay now.
The President Obama.
We have seen a much more.
Confrontational we've seen a much more by Democrats would say vigorous and impassioned.
President Obama in his second term but none more so than yesterday when he was -- talking about gun control.
He he really laid it on the line what.
Does this portend for the rest of this debate the rest of this discussion.
I think the -- -- first ball out of what do you agree with them -- just agree with them I think you have to say that he does a sincere and as far as I think that.
He he's a father of young children and I think he has -- and I believe him.
That he felt that the day of -- was the worst day of his presidency.
I was very moved to find out that he -- of painting.
That was drawn by.
This girl grace one of the one of the twenty children was killed in Newtown.
In his study right off the Oval Office.
And -- so I think this comes straight from the heart that's number one number two.
I think on this and all variety of -- I think he's made a decision we'll see whether turns out to be right or wrong so far clearly in the fiscal cliff.
It turned out to be right that the best way to deal with the Republicans is to beat them upside the head and knocked.
-- -- that it did no more mr.
nice guy I'm not treated -- that nice in the first term but certainly the beginning he was or tried to be.
And I think he feels the only way he's gonna get anything through the Republican.
I was span and the Republican.
-- -- durable.
Might not minority in the senate is spy.
Is by applying public pressure and I think he's.
Forget the issues you know -- one of the things is the exercise of power I think it is a reasonable and from the vantage point at the White House.
-- Smart exercise of power.
Now we're going to talk with Susan freak -- later about this but I want to get your take you heard him there you heard the president they're saying that behind the scenes -- And presumably he means the National Rifle Association they will do everything they can't to block.
Any common -- -- and make sure nothing changes whatsoever now he's impugning bad motives to them but certainly he recognizes the clout and power.
That the NRA and other gun rights groups have when it comes to congress not just with Republicans but with his own party to.
Absolutely I I was astonished and we did a big segment on this on the last FOX News Sunday.
And two sacks and I was astonished to learn one that -- in the 2012 federal election cycle that the NRA -- twenty.
Million dollars to candidates running for federal -- ball gun control groups.
Gave 4020004000.
Bit of the disparity and the second.
Is that more than 50% of the members of congress and this is Republicans Democrats house senate in this new congress more than fifty present.
Have a V ratings from they are right so this is a very powerful group.
Which is there have been able to -- -- a number of and that's part of the process to do that's.
88 sensible and Smart exercise of power but they interact.
The Democrats from won't these -- vanishing breed in both parties which is to say moderate people who represent districts.
That vote a different plan presidential levels.
Than they do in their congressional race it's it's news 88 shrinking number.
And for the Democrat did the rarest breed of Democrats -- to be those blue dogs those moderate Democrats but there are still many of them.
Does this put that does this -- -- does this make them any more endangered species if the issue of gun control comes out not real popular place like Kentucky.
Arkansas and North Carolina where there are some -- them absolutely.
And there are a number and this is one of the reasons that Harry -- It is -- decides to back -- I don't -- he agrees with a lot of those gun control.
At one of the reasons he's he's really been slow walking this so far.
Is because the fact that he has several.
Red state Democrats who are -- for election in 2014.
And he's worried about protecting them and he knows that a vote for gun control.
Even if it's not the assault weapons and even if it's just the universal background -- will be used against them when they run in November two years from now OK now.
I have I have to ask you because the Internet wants to know who's going to be and you were.
Big big show on Sunday where we're gonna have a top White House official I know who it is.
You will know it is when you find out but I'm not a lot to say who it is.
I don't know why but that's just they say he would not allowed to promoting yet but it's -- what -- there's -- -- -- -- -- gun control will also be talking about.
You know that you did did.
This inauguration which is beginning on.
Sunday and about the inauguration swearing in begins Sunday.
The big event is Monday so we looking ahead to this second Obama term.
It will also be talking to Roy Blunt is of one of the top Republicans in the senate from Missouri.
-- I incidentally I think as a real comer I think this is gonna do nothing but increase in power in the senate.
And we'll ask him for the Republicans what if you want guns on the fiscal issues on immigration.
And a whole variety of issues what the Republican stance is going to be during the president's second term.
And Roy Blunt is definitely want to watch this he's a guy who knew how to get it done in the house yet he was very effect when he was the whip in the house and in the leadership team there.
He was very effectively getting things and I'm sure that -- -- that as his seniority -- so his clout in the senate.
And will you be watching a press conference for the Notre Dame player with the fake girlfriend.
Yeah I let me just say this tonight I know I'm I'm -- a bit -- and maybe I'm just believe -- -- -- I'm not sure if you would never actually met.
The person you can properly color your girls.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- And we're gonna talk but the question of what the heck for the Republicans get a -- to get out of jail.
We'll talk about that when we come back sister correct.
And -- Is biggest con and the Kardashian family I guess Bruce Jenner and the -- -- -- family.
And this is power play in use today.
What is the significance Chris.
Biggest -- of the Kardashian family the truth of the matter is is that congress according to a poll from PPP.
Which is a Democrat firm.
But -- -- trouble from the BP the popularity of congress rank somewhere between that have gang of con and the Kardashians -- they can be comforted to know.
Members of congress to be -- them that they are more popular than the Kardashians but apparently.
-- all of the staff in Central Asia is more easily forgiven.
Then stinking it governing.
So this is powered by -- And we were gonna have -- -- here I don't know what happened to -- I do not know if anybody is seen Juan Williams please call us and let us know.
But we do have -- lap and that's good enough for us from hey -- we're good enough is what -- -- is is hanging his head on we -- you're very welcome here you -- the former White House political director for George W.
-- that -- you -- Republican -- -- Republican strategist and people can hire you where they -- you coach strategists strategy CC OVE yeah.
It's been a great teacher -- about it.
About -- the Republicans have retreated two.
Down to Williamsburg.
Where they are trying to figure out what to do they've had done some people call it in advance it's an advance SP -- say people say a lot of things there is no question people say a lot of things now I wrote.
In my power play which Internet you can have just follow me at -- -- what it's right there right there on Twitter you just go -- boom every morning and putting it out there you.
And I said this.
That these guys are.
They may be liked or disliked that's -- -- but the truth is they're becoming irrelevant they don't pass anything.
And the only stuff that's been passing this year.
Has been on democratic votes.
-- these house Republicans are crappy.
They're upset that Obama won their upset with their leadership I acknowledge -- -- this but from a practical point of view if you don't pass legislation -- -- -- of congress.
Doesn't really matter what you have to say right.
I read your column and I have to say I don't -- disagreeing with -- time to time but I have to say I think you're dead on right I mean you come.
When you run for -- legislative job in -- legislative chamber.
He's passed legislation you should have -- -- you should really use all lose this tools that are at your disposal and I think GAAP.
I think there's no question that Republicans in the house find themselves in an odd position.
And I actually think through -- seeking it.
-- got to get the best deal they can and every one of these sticky situations.
And I think there's a majority of that conference that does understand that.
The process to get them there is terrible.
And that's what John Boehner and might have a worse job -- -- New York Yankees skipper in a losing year I don't know it is a tough.
Actually I deserve.
And people are not happy with the results they only want victory.
And the tools that a speaker used to have a mean if you read about the legendary speakers of the house to -- Angry -- The tip O'Neill's.
If they really had power over this members only -- they decide.
What quarter -- of power was there office they could determine what trips they went on internationally and they could give them a lot of bridges and schools and pork in there district.
That last one is gone -- the tools added that previous speakers might have used.
Or not -- -- so.
There it just is wouldn't it comes to managing your household.
If you don't have money to these.
Difficult situations if the kids cannot be hurt if you -- purchase new video games for the kids.
Or jewelry for her the way if it is harder to get through disagreements it's true and so -- the age of austerity.
It's hard even for the party of austerity.
So in terms of messaging -- assuming that they can start.
Promulgating things but in terms of messaging what do they need to do from your way of thinking about talking about what -- Well there's an internal conversation which is going on at this advance slash retreat at all these house Republicans.
Our -- we're they have to cut they have have -- conversations conference.
But how they're gonna handle these sticky issues I mean you can't just be a party you know you can't -- the party -- just be against everything that Obama since before.
As conservatives we have a proactive agenda and we ought to be able to talk about every issue a -- down the -- that's the first conversation.
And then there has to be a conversation with the country.
About why having Republicans in charge of branches of government is so important if we -- -- Obama and Pelosi and Reid.
-- tax increases after what just happened if we'd rather tagged each other.
-- other Republicans as tax increases.
You know it's by an area in the house when you vote against John Boehner.
And you vote against a Republican majority gets your -- -- -- but you voted with the explosive necessarily necessarily it's just the way the houses to -- is not the senate it's by design.
So what are what are strong wonderful new conservatives need to guess is that every day when they wake up.
They are trying to politically.
Damaged Nancy Pelosi in her group right.
And they're fast but they're singularly focused it seems.
I'm trying to.
Be the absolute best conservative and try to hamper their own guys.
A lot of fun it's kind of like it makes -- message your uncle at Christmas when it comes over other people in authority none of us like people or authority of course it's fun to kind of -- -- But this is serious because if we're -- if we're gonna loses -- party on the issues taxes and regulation size and scope of government.
This is generational question about can we government to assure the American people that were -- -- And I think we risk that we don't have a plan.
And now the danger though.
In putting legislation forward and I heard this from folks the danger of putting legislation forward is once you've convinced you say to conservatives John -- says the conservatives in -- conference what you wanted on them.
And they say nothing and we want to pass something about mental health or Hollywood or something like that.
Then the then they're seeing is the bill.
And we sort of saw this in the debt -- people kept -- the Republicans what's your plan whether or not on the -- and in the fiscal cliff when you pass something that's Elian back in August.
We've we passed something and we're not gonna pass anything else we're done here and Boehner couldn't get them to get off they're sticking.
-- -- -- -- this back to the question of can Boehner McCarthy -- can these Republican leaders do anything to explain to really.
Rookie members and other and other people who -- more on the right in the conference.
That look we have to negotiate.
It assess -- to say this America is like behind your car and you do hagel yeah and you want to make sure you get the best deal possible for the car.
And I think a lot of folks think that because Republicans have a majority in the house and we have to tackle these have to stick.
And the problem -- that the -- get a get to a deal.
And if you don't get to a deal.
We've been through this in 9596.
If you decide to never try to get to a deal.
To -- you can blame for very long time as being juvenile and not ready for prime time.
And I think that's the thing that that Boehner generation of Republican leaders who came in as conservatives they fear that.
Because they saw the consequences of that -- got pushed out as speaker all I was seats.
Do you think their job it -- kind of like to -- Kids was steady and always a -- -- -- out there that's like if don't throw me in the -- highlighted the fact.
When you have leaders who unlike Bill Clinton you would not -- a whole lot if on Wednesday and they woke up.
They were focusing on the family in the air the -- lucrative lobbying contracts yeah.
-- -- that other people like Bill Clinton who I think their fingernails dragged her across the floors they're being taken out of their last day in office have to get them.
Book OK so how about this question what is -- prediction.
When it comes to the debt limit what's gonna happen.
I really do think that John Boehner has got to get something dreary -- A dollar for cuts for every dollar in increases the debt limit I think this is something that that.
President and his team like a -- -- a little that they need to get the fact that that's got to happen.
It is there if they continue on this I love this tactic -- -- -- to talk to them think have you and -- sit down some and not talk to them that's.
I just they -- -- -- yeah I disease chemistry and assume -- mean that so they're gonna have to understand that's gonna happen and if they don't get to that point.
This is they're not gonna have a debt limit -- -- increase we are gonna have a problem with paying our bills.
In essence the whole kind of system shuts down and -- we've really never experienced before for a long period of time.
So this is serious and and I and I don't see a way out of it here's the one thing we've learned.
Everything with a sunset.
Previously in previous congresses always at sunset time deadline when it expires -- will get that fixed what kind of -- -- off.
When there's a time deadline legislation this congress with all of this dysfunction it -- Happens -- yeah that's for sure match -- is Smart.
As practical experience and has -- stuff so if your interest in politics he's probably somebody good to listen to.
Matt congratulations on your easiest -- debate with Juan Williams thank you.
Guess we're gonna take a quick break when we come back we'll get to some of your comments some of your tweets we will do that.
And we will also talk to your friends -- -- -- -- -- be here to talk about the nuts and -- -- the nose counting.
When it comes to passing gun control legislation here's a hint it's tough Al Franken has now already said that -- likes a lot of what the president -- but isn't sure about -- assault weapons ban.
We'll talk about that when we come back -- is that correct.
Put everything I've got a nervous and so will Joseph.
But I tell you.
The only way we can change.
That the American people demand.
And by the way that doesn't just mean.
From certain parts of the country.
We're gonna -- voices.
In those areas in those congressional districts where the tradition of gun ownership is strong.
To speak up and to say this is important.
It can't just be the usual suspects.
And that was President Obama again.
From his.
Big event yesterday with the school children in the -- -- families and all that stuff and this is power play welcome back now what you heard the president saying there.
Was not for general public consumption that was a message for a select few individuals and those are.
Moderate Democrats especially those from red states who heard him talking there about those congressional districts where the tradition of gun ownership is strong.
And what he's talking there are people like commission from West Virginia about Casey from Pennsylvania and others.
But let's face facts if the president wants to.
Passport even tried to pressure Republicans.
And embarrass Republicans in the house about gun control.
He's gonna get his own team on board and that's going to be a tough one.
Somebody who knows how tough is Susan -- -- -- -- the chief congressional correspondent for the Washington examiner my friend and former colleague at.
The Susan welcome back -- to be here.
Okay now.
So if I am.
Let's say Mike McCarthy Democrat congressman from North Carolina.
I'm not loving the fact that -- he's like who out outside.
Predominantly African American districts McCarthy's about the last Democrat left in that State's congressional district records say yes.
So he's he's the one and he's sitting there he knows sooner or later he's gonna -- Yes if you -- a better time.
I'm in redistricting right ability to -- the -- is will he will sit com.
And he hears the president's argument gun control and as I said before with even people like Al Franken in Minnesota needing to show some reservations about gun control.
-- -- -- but that doesn't say at all.
And Al Franken statement -- really does it and because let's face it why has congress not really -- gun control and more than a decade.
Because it's one of those topics that divides both.
Party's -- there's most Republicans are against it there's a few.
-- -- -- -- No but it.
But among Democrats in particular it's a regional thing to more than it is even about party even more than that so it's something that Democrats don't -- -- touch with a ten -- policy say -- -- -- -- the idea of gun control that's why after Columbine.
An eight -- why not much has happened and even after day shooting in our -- really nothing happened.
It can't and -- stuff because it hurts people politically there's a 2014 election and nobody wants to be thinking about that but you cannot do -- little guys in your mind.
It's okay in this senate where you know want election really can change the majority much more easily than in the house you have a lot of members from red states where Democrats who are up again for re Election -- gets in their last -- -- Louisiana these are places where -- -- vote for an assault weapons -- or a ban on high capacity gun clips they could lose let's think back now two decades ago Democrats many believe in lost a house in part because of gun control in 1994 assault weapons ban came right before the election.
They lost Republicans took over -- lot of them know that's the reason why.
And keep people along -- in politics and their students of how all this stuff works so that they get reelected.
That's why I think gun control for Democrats this story more than it is that -- you know leaders not to take up solid and spent so.
What is he saying -- this is just human Harry Reid -- Salaries that it.
Now we know we didn't know before but now we know when we thank you.
You're happy Thursday OK here's the deal Internet here's what's up on the -- Jonathan Hunt is up next which you enjoyed.
So there's that I also want you to start bracing yourself for Monday for inauguration day where we're going to be a full power.
From 11212.
I'll be cold standing outside it'll be just like the Iowa Caucuses all over again you'll enjoy that and we will talk about presidential history pomp circumstance and the next term for the president.
So you'll like that that's something to think about.
Now think about this power points.
Today's power points fake it -- you make it first PowerPoint it is no mystery.
No mystery why congress has such horrid approval ratings -- and including the Republican House conservatives don't think that the Republicans are conservative enough.
Democrats think they're too conservative they're not doing -- thing.
People are just frustrated with them so this is not mysterious like I wonder why they hate us kind of a deal for house Republicans as they -- So your second point policy then public relations policy then public relations they first have to decide the policies that they -- -- -- Our -- before they start selling them.
They're trying to put that could oftentimes putting the cart in front of course.
As they try to do that that they say we need to figure out messaging -- messaging -- messaging start figuring out what you wanna do.
And here's your third point winners do.
Winners do winners do things you do not win it by not passing legislation or not doing stuff for voting -- -- that brings us back to our title as well daddy used to say they didn't make it make you can't get legislation enacted maybe can't get lost them but you've got.
-- stuff if you want people pay attention to and I think -- -- -- income groups that's the truth and you know and those are your PowerPoint and now as we like to do every day we wanna leave you with the word.
From our French -- -- the things he's cited executive orders are useless.
-- the appearance emotion I think it's sincerely wants to do a little bit at the edges.
Who -- search here a little encouragement here.
But everybody understands that can make any difference so he's saying that does the three big items -- the band on the armed assault weapons on the big magazines.
And the idea of having the background checks I think they are not -- -- pass and I think he will expend some capital.
But -- countries simply isn't ready to do anything near that.
