Joe Manchin: "I’m not supporting a ban on anything"

"I’m supporting a conversation on everything,” Manchin said

Published December 19, 2012 9:17PM (EST)

Though Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., says he is open to a conversation on gun control, today he clarified that so far "I’m not supporting a ban on anything."

Manchin, who has an A-rating from the NRA and who on Monday said that "we need to sit down and have a common-sense discussion" about gun control,  said in an interview on West Virginia MetroNews:

“I’m not supporting a ban on anything.  I’m supporting a conversation on everything,” Senator Manchin said.

“I can’t say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to any of the things because all I’ve asked for, I want the NRA to tell me why we have any weapon you might want.  Is there any grounds or any changes or anything they would like to look at?  I don’t know.  I can’t even get a conversation to have responsible people at the table to finally come out with a conclusion.”

In response to an announcement by the NRA that they would hold a press conference on Friday and provide "meaningful contributions" to the gun control conversation, Manchin added: “I’m so proud of the NRA. I’m so pleased they agreed to be part of this.”

Via Politico.


By Jillian Rayfield

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.

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Gun Control Gun Violence Joe Manchin Newtown School Shooting Nra