Sen. John McCain's townhall tour of his home state of Arizona has once again offered a vivid illumination of the deep passions surrounding hot-button issues being debated in Congress. Earlier this week, McCain was assailed by a constituent over immigration reform, and on Wednesday McCain waded into the debate over gun control. "My 24-year-old son, Alex, was murdered in a movie theater in Aurora, Colo.," a woman identified as Caren Teves told him (at the 0:50 mark of the video). "These assault rifles allow the shooter to fire many rounds without having to reload. These weapons to do not belong on our streets."
McCain responded, "I can tell you right now you need some straight talk. That assault weapons ban will not pass the Congress of the United States." McCain's response was met with applause by other attendees. He continued, "I owe it to you to give you my opinion," saying that a majority of lawmakers don't support such a ban. (via Talking Points Memo)
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
The last words and final moments of 40 presidentsThe Explainer Some are eloquent quotes worthy of the holders of the highest office in the nation, and others... aren't
-
The JFK files: the truth at last?In The Spotlight More than 64,000 previously classified documents relating the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy have been released by the Trump administration
-
'Seriously, not literally': how should the world take Donald Trump?Today's big question White House rhetoric and reality look likely to become increasingly blurred
-
Will Trump's 'madman' strategy pay off?Today's Big Question Incoming US president likes to seem unpredictable but, this time round, world leaders could be wise to his playbook
-
Democrats vs. Republicans: which party are the billionaires backing?The Explainer Younger tech titans join 'boys' club throwing money and support' behind President Trump, while older plutocrats quietly rebuke new administration
-
US election: where things stand with one week to goThe Explainer Harris' lead in the polls has been narrowing in Trump's favour, but her campaign remains 'cautiously optimistic'
-
Is Trump okay?Today's Big Question Former president's mental fitness and alleged cognitive decline firmly back in the spotlight after 'bizarre' town hall event
-
The life and times of Kamala HarrisThe Explainer The vice-president is narrowly leading the race to become the next US president. How did she get to where she is now?
