Concerns of some and the hope of others are growing that President Joe Biden might try to force through elements of his gun control agenda before he is expected to lose full control of Congress in the fall midterm elections.
This week, advocates of gun control and the Second Amendment revealed two probable Biden “Hail Mary” scenarios that could play out before or after Election Day to fulfill his goal of taking “ghost guns,” modern sporting rifles, and accessories such as high-capacity cartridge magazines off the market.
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The preelection option calls for a push on gun bans to boost support from the president’s liberal base. That would likely include the more sensational elements of his plan, including an “assault weapons” ban targeting semi-automatic pistols and rifles.
Insiders said the move would be more geared toward a political win and not a vote because it’s likely that targeting guns will not woo enough Republicans to beat a filibuster in the Senate. And, they said, with Congress tied up on budget negotiations, the likelihood of a drawn-out fight over a Supreme Court nominee battle, and weeks back home campaigning, there will not be enough time to build support.
.@davidhogg111 delivers a message to President @JoeBiden on the anniversary of the Parkland school shooting.
“Frankly, if I could say one thing to the president, it’s that we need you to go out and act right now before the next Parkland happens.” pic.twitter.com/uB0MrdcoJU
— Mediaite (@Mediaite) February 14, 2022
Plus, a Democratic congressional aide said Biden’s inability to win Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin’s support for the Build Back Better plan showed the president has little leverage. And he would likely have less trying to win over pro-gun Democrats such as Manchin or Republicans and independents in pro-gun states, including Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.
That threat appeared to lessen last week when major gun control measures were stripped from the bipartisan Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act offered in the Senate, bringing cheers from the firearms industry.
That leads to a second scenario, attaching gun control provisions to budget bills that the lame-duck session will take up in November and December. There, Biden could push through red flag rules that would take weapons away from those deemed incapable, according to gun rights advocates.
Today, Biden used the four-year anniversary of the fatal shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, to call for more gun control. But the country has moved on, according to polls showing fewer people want stricter gun laws and that most people just want current laws enforced.
A couple years ago, @BetoORourke promised national gun confiscation.
Now that he is running for governor of Texas, he is changing his tune.
There’s only one word to describe him: LIAR. pic.twitter.com/Cq6kc8ozBO
— NRA (@NRA) February 10, 2022
Even avowed gun-grabber Beto O’Rourke has changed his tune. In his new campaign for Texas governor, he said he no longer wants to seize guns.
“We’re always concerned because it seems like the Left will never stop trying to take away our civil rights,” said Willes Lee, the first vice president of the National Rifle Association.
However, he said in an interview, the National Rifle Association sees the nation opening up to gun rights. He cited the huge growth of first-time gun buyers, the expanded number of states allowing people to carry weapons, and court cases validating gun ownership as proof the anti-gun movement is stalled.
What’s more, Lee said the surge of violent crime during Biden’s first year in office has more people eager for self-protection.
“America is looking at Biden on their TV talking about ghost guns and bad guys, or we need to restrict your rights. And they’re seeing their towns burning down, they’re hearing about their friends being mugged or carjacked,” Lee said.
“The fact is we’re always concerned,” added Jason Ouimet, the NRA’s top lobbyist. “Between now and Election Day is an eternity, and anything can change the landscape. So, anything that’s out there that can be used as a vehicle before or after causes us concern.”
Justin Anderson, the marketing director for Hyatt Guns of Charlotte, North Carolina, said the industry is also paying close attention to Biden and the Democrats, warning Biden will still have another avenue: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
“While trying to pass anything through Congress is likely a nonstarter, ATF regulations can be changed at the executive level. We’ve seen this in the past with bump stocks, and while not probable, it’s still very possible,” Anderson said.
