There is a surprising, so far, a surprising recurrence of suggestions that we have universal background checks. Not just close the gun show loophole, but total, universal background checks, including private sales.Joe Biden re: the proposals being considered by his gun control task force. John Hickenlooper, the Democratic Governor of Colorado, echoed this same sentiment today. In addition, Biden said that he’s “never quite heard as much talk about the need to do something about high-capacity magazines as I’ve heard spontaneously from every group that we’ve met with so far,” and said that the president has given him until Tuesday to present a set of recommendations as to how best prevent future incidents like the one in Newtown. source
I want to make it clear that we are not going to get caught up in the notion (that) unless we can do everything we’re going to do nothing. It’s critically important (that) we act.Vice President Joe Biden • Reiterating the Obama Administration’s focus on strengthening U.S. gun control legislation in the near future, during discussions with representatives from top retailers, gun-safety advocates, and victim’s groups. President Obama wants to see a return of the assault weapon ban, the closing of the gun show loophole, and a limiting of high-capacity magazine purchases. The Associated Press report also claims that Vice President Biden promised action from President Obama, even if Congress forces him to issue an executive order on the matter. source
EDIT: More context here.
Biden recalled his own family tragedy — losing his young wife and daughter in a 1972 car accident — and paused repeatedly to keep his composure.
It was the side of Biden — comfortable with his emotions, and with a gift for human connection — that makes him appealing to many voters. And the moment never would’ve taken place if he had not effectively overruled his would-be handlers.
It was a vivid illustration of a phenomenon that pervades the 2012 campaign: The consuming effort by operatives to stamp the spontaneity and life out of modern politics.
Of course, Biden’s two-day swing through small-town Virginia also offered a perfect example of why this brand of control-freak politics has emerged. His unrehearsed comment to a mixed-race audience in Danville that the Republicans and their Wall Street allies want to put people “back in chains” made national news as an example of rhetorical excess.
An interesting look at the pros and cons of keeping Vice President Joe Biden on the ticket as President Barack Obama aims for re-election in 2012.
The single most significant thing we can do is have the best educated population in the world. It literally is the thing, the key that leads to everything else from our economic security to our physical security.Vice President Joe Biden • Speaking at Florida State University about America’s education. Biden said in his speech that he wants to make education in America more affordable, citing his own experience with higher education, in which his father was initially denied for a loan. Biden ended up going anyway, eventually getting a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware, a law degree from Syracuse and a spot in the White House. Biden says the Obama administration won’t waver from its goal of providing better education, while at the same time making it more affordable for more parts of society. Biden’s a bit up against it, though: His visit to Florida comes as the state legislature plans to vote on statewide tuition hikes. source (via • follow)
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