A good, public cry may have cost Edmund Muskie his 1972 bid for the presidency and led to questions about his composure.
But welcome to 2016 — and the new, softer side of American politics.
Tears streaking his cheeks, President Barack Obama launched a final-year push Tuesday to tighten sales of firearms in the U.S.
The president struck a combative tone as he came out with plans for expanded background checks and other measures that have drawn consternation from gun rights groups.
Tears were clearly visible on Obama’s face as he talked about victims of gun violence, including the children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School three years ago. mad.”
Obama’s 10-point plan to keep guns from those who shouldn’t have them marked a concession by the president: He’ll leave office without securing the new gun control laws he’s repeatedly and desperately implored Congress to pass.
The National Rifle Association, the largest gun group, panned Obama’s plan and said it was “ripe for abuse.” Even Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat and gun-owner who co-wrote the bipartisan bill Obama supported in 2013, took issue with the president’s move.
“Instead of taking unilateral executive action, the president should work with Congress and the American people, just as I’ve always done, to pass the proposals he announced today,” Manchin said.
The centerpiece of Obama’s plan is an attempt to narrow the loophole that exempts gun sales from background checks if the seller isn’t a federal registered dealer. With new federal “guidance,” the administration is clarifying that even those who sell just a few weapons at gun shows, flea markets or online can be deemed dealers and required to conduct checks on prospective buyers.
Millions of guns are sold annually in informal settings outside of gun shops, including many through private sales arranged online. But the Obama administration acknowledged it couldn’t quantify how many gun sales would be newly subjected to background checks, nor how many currently unregistered gun sellers would have to obtain a license.
Obama readily conceded the executive steps will be challenged in court, a prediction quickly echoed by Republicans.
Chuck James, a former federal prosecutor who practices firearms law at the firm Williams Mullen, said opponents are likely to challenge Obama’s authority to define what it means to be “engaged in the business” of selling guns beyond what’s laid out in the law.
Other new steps include 230 new examiners the FBI will hire to process background checks, aiming to prevent delays that enabled the accused gunman in Charleston, South Carolina, to get a gun when the government took too long.
Obama is also asking the government to research smart gun technology to reduce accidental shootings and asking Congress for $500 million to improve mental health care. Other provisions aim to better track lost or stolen guns and prevent trusts or corporations from buying dangerous weapons without background checks.
Obama’s announcement carved a predictably partisan fault line.
“Rather than focus on criminals and terrorists, he goes after the most law-abiding of citizens,” said House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican. “His words and actions amount to a form of intimidation that undermines liberty.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
I wish President Obama would shed some tears for the millions of babies that have been slaughtered at abortion clinics during his time as president. While the murder of anyone is sad, the abortion clinics in our nation are growing extremely wealthy by murdering unborn babies. It would be far easier to reduce the murder rate in abortion clinics than it will be to reduce gun violence.
This spectacle highlights a huge failure of President Obama. When he came into office in 2009 his party controlled Congress. If he was truly concerned about gun control 2009 would have been the time to get laws enacted. Instead, he spent his political capital on taking over the health care industry. Mr. Obama is now on his way to becoming a lame duck. As the year wears on he will become less relevant and his effective power will diminish. I have no problem seeing him spend the rest of his political capital on this.
Crocodile tears?? I wonder which woman taught him that little trick?? I have never seen anyone actually cry where their voice doesn’t crack
It’s called the onion affect. He probably had a slice in his jacket so it would tear him up. He is nothing but a phony muslim
Tears of joy screwing the people
Ever notice only cries out left eye. Fake
He is working on his new acting carrier once he gets out of office
Hey the guy deserves an Academy award for that act.
What bunch of B S this is nothing more then pure deception for the ones that don’t know this devil this so call president got the U S under E O 13603 look it up so you can’t be fool by this actor no good for people no good for the U S this about taking your guns so you can’t defend yourself when crap hit the fan for the NEW WORLD ORDER.
AMEN BROTHER !! YOU SAID EXACTLY WHAT I WAS THINKING, WHEN HE PULLED THE PLUG ON HIS TEAR TANK. THE PHONIE. NOW ALL I NEED IS TO SEE HILLARY SHEDDING TEARS FOR THE ALL ABORTED BABIES , THAT SHE’S HELPED MURDER. I DON’T KNOW WHICH OF TWO ( OR MAYBE IT SHOULD THREE, INCLUDING HER HUSBAND) . IS THE BIGGEST LYING PHONIE. I GUESS IT REALLY DOES’NT MATTER – THEIR ALL WORKING FOR THE SAME BOSS!!!!
becoming a lame duck? HE IS ALREADY a lame duck! NOTHING he does or says anymore warrants any attention anymore! He is no longer a president the day he gave 5 dangerous terrorist for one military deserter and traitor! Obama is a Traitor to the USA, does not represent the USA, is a GREAT embarrassment when over seas trying to even act like he is president of the USA! Bows down to our enemy and turns his back on ISRAEL who is our ally not enemy (as he sees them)
WHO IS HE TRYING TO KID HE DON’T CARE ABOUT ANY ONE OR ANY THING, WHAT A DECIEVING PERSON HE IS HAVE NO RESPECT FOR THIS MAN.
To say that Obama is as phony as a three dollar bill would be politically correct and an extremely kind. Even before day one he’s been a liar, an enemy of our exceptional nation, our constitution and our way of life. Anyone who believes his tears were not brought about by a small dab of some kind of irritating agent just has to be be a demo / socialist. I for one do not buy it.
yes only one swipe of one finger and tears STREAMED down on one side..he kept swiping other eye but nothing..guess he was using wrong finger for that one! The Democrats claim TRUMP is an entertainer? The biggest one is their “Mussie IDOL” president!
I stumbled upon this site and wow! There are some really insensitive comments about our president and regarding those people who lost there lives to gun violence. That is what he was shedding tears about, the live lost. I almost shed a tear watching the bathroom scene in Pursuit of Happiness. Can’t our president have some empathy for the senseless deaths of our people? To say that someone would fake that is wrong. You may not agree with every policy that our president pushes but he has done nothing to merit comments like, lack of respect, dishonest, socialist. But terrorist love when you talk like this. And goodness, no one wants you guns. No one is trying to take guns away from law abiding citizens. There is so much hatred in this country. We can disagree with each other without the negativity. President Obama seems to be a great dad, and husband, he always expresses how much he loves our country. Despite all of the hatred and negativity from haters, complainers, and racist he still tries his best to be a good president for us. It takes a strong person to do this even if you shed a tear every not and then.
Your right he’s a phony baloney
I am a retired combat disable veteran. It amazing how people do not understand no one cares if you like the POTUS. The issue is to respect the office. The majority of people who complain about the POTUS is benefiting from a bill passed into law. No one is ever going to satisfied with every decision any POTUS make. As Americans we Freedom of right speech. We should be required to have a law that demand the office of the POTUS be respected and those that are not should not be allowed to receive any type of government funding and if you are a veteran or civilian and receives any type of government benefits when you disrespect the office of the POTUS with racial abusive, defamatory, derogatory epithet of any POTUS your government benefits should be denied. Example Ammon Bundy and his thug gang member has taken over a federal building in Oregon. Trying to over throw the government and yet he has taken a half million dollars from the government he is trying to over throw. This is despicable.
I don’t believe him for one second! I do respect the office of President…I just do NOT respect the man that is presiding there now! Can’t wait until that phony, deceitful person is no longer there. He has tried everything in his power (by executive order, retoric, divisiveness, disdain, tearing down our Constitution, etc.) to bring down our country.
BINGO! You are absolutely right! As far as the retired military guy….I PRAY our military has more brains and KNOW that if this idiot in the WH orders them to kill themselves (because Obama claims all military are terrorist) they will NOT follow orders of this Traitor of the USA! Obama has NOT held up his oath to the Presidential Office and the People of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! His disrespect for the presidency warrants him disrespect from WE THE PEOPLE! Soon we shall have someone in our WH and give respect back to our country again! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Time to clear out all the sludge out of OUR White House and make it once again a place FOR THE PEOPLE!
Tamela,
Your way off base!! I too am a retired Combat Veteran and I fought for “freedom of speech” and our other basic freedoms. When you start to push an effort to not “criticise” those in public office, regardless of level it sounds more like what another group did back in the 1930s/40s.. and others who disagreed with them. What next “round us all up” and shipping us to indoctrination camps for speaking up??? NO WAY!!!!
SemperFi
I Salute you and TY for your service! My ONLY CHILD, my son also serves! I’m very proud of him and what a great man he has become! He will be leaving 6 yrs shy of getting a full retirement as he has had enough of what Obama has done to the military! It is a shame but he is a hard worker and has a good job so he will be ok without that retirement anyways!
In other words, say anything derogatory about ol’ Obama and get financially cut off…about right? So much for freedom of speech and the constitution, eh?
If I remember right, didn’t G.W. Bush Pass a law saying it was a CAPITAL OFFENSE to say anything derogatory AGAINST The Office of President & Treasonable offense ? Because of his failing as a leader also. Could have sworn , that FREEDOM OF SPEECH, is covered in the Constitution of the United States ???
How true, he most likley Has a onion in his hankie what an actor. He could try out for a part in the movies and play the part, of the President that destroyed America!
I heard Will Smith was thinking of running for President for 2016! His qualifications were..he already was a president (in a movie) AGAIN I HEARD this..so not sure how true this is!
Obama is an embarrassment. I can just envision world leaders – not to mention our enemies – absolutely laughing at us as our president cries on national television while announcing a new policy. It’s pathetic. November can’t come fast enough and if we ever hope to recover our dignity and strength after the past 7 years, we better hope Trump wins. Go Trump!
Trump, we NEED you!
I hope that the President will show the same passion for preventing innocent baby killings(abortion) in America.
Didn’t they just give PP a big raise at our expense. As i have said before he is a traitor to our Country and shoud be brought up for treason, Along with hitlary
WASN’T Bill Clinton IMPEACHED??? IF he was..WHY would he be allowed back in the WH with Hillary? She was part of all that as well! AND took things from the WH that didn’t even belong to them..they did return all (we think) but still…how stupid do they really think we are???
They tried but did not get it done while he was in Office . Just because he could not keep his pants zipped – Pres. Bill Clinton got us out of the RED that Pres. G.W.H. Bush took 8 years to put the US in , in less than 4 Years?
Sorry G.H.W Bush
Of course he won’t! That doesn’t fit his agenda. That is a Republican issue not a Liberal issue!
http://www.infowars.com put information up yesterday stating the republican national committee has put together massive info to bring to the Senate and supreme court to impeach Obama.There has also been a briefing titled community leaders briefing for an upcoming event about to happen. Read it. http://www.prepareforchange.net
I hope this is correct but I don’t believe it will ever happen!
President Obama, can’t do or say anything right in some people eye sight I’m sure he was thinking one of those children could have very well been one of his, if the man take a vacation it’s a problem,if he cough it’s a problem lay off of my President ,he walk into a mess the BUSH-WACKERS left comment on that DUMB A—-.
Hey Reese, you’re right! I don’t like ANYTHING this man does…because he has proven that he does NOT care about the country OR the people he was elected??? to preside over. The tears were phony, just like he is. He does not deserve our respect…it must be earned.
Are you for real. When he moves to kenya maybe he will take you along for the ride, Which i doubt very much. Another lib dem dummy
Obama is trying in that it costs take guns from people because he secretly brings muslim by UPS aircraft at night time to Pensilvania and other states private aeroports.. Look it!!!! https://youtu.be/KIf3tElDLfA?t=2
Obama was crying because he realized that this is the end of his reign. He has deep seeded problems and needs professional help.
And a tear fell out of one eye only! Just amazing. As they do in Hollywood, if someone is to shed a tear or two, gently massage Vicks Vapor Rub under the eye scheduled to tear and by golly, the tears will be forthcoming. I don’t think he fooled many folks in this country. After all, Obama is his own Comedian.
It’s too bad our government is so greedy and corrupt. If we did and lied about the things these people have done we’d all be in jail for the rest of our lives.
Obama is a fake a liar but he has fulfilled one thing he said when he was running for President. I will make changes and he has done that very thing. Muslims have more power than we the people of this U.S. have worked and paid for. We need to take our country back and our constitution as well. This country was great until we allowed the government to take control and bring in a president that isn’t an American citizen (he has paid millions to keep his past records hidden except what he wants us to know which is more lies). He has admitted on TV that he is a Muslim and look how many are now in government working under him as well as all the perks they get. Wake up America, we are being screwed without being kissed.
Yeah, well, WE ARE ALL CRYING TOO with all the crap that O’Bama and his administration has DONE TO US!
Those tears were so fake it made me want to vomit. This is just another cog in his wheel to implement his Marshall law so he won’t have to leave the White House. He is so pathetic. I bet he has a small shoe size, if you get my drift.
Tamela..i agree the potus should be respected. In this case with obama he abused the respect. And he has done nothing to earn it back.
Obama’s tears are as real as his birth certificate !
Once again Obama is trying to assert his assuming power of authority by attempting to change our Constitution and Bill of Rights to satisfy his Muslim brotherhood.When will people start to understand that believing someone that is so Anti-American and should have not of even have became president, is going to fight to solve this problem of such killings without affecting our nations standing. It’s as plain as the nose on your face, the laws in this country must be reformed to an earlier standing of basically “An Eye For An Eye,A Tooth For A Tooth”. Taking weapons from the public will solve nothing because anything and everything can always be found,rather legally or illegally. You cannot stop a determined mind seeking to do harm to the greater good,but you can set a example to those insisting on doing harm such as the death penalty being more freely used and not being condemned so easily by those who have not experienced the loss of life by an outsider. I’m not talking inhumane tactics such as sensationalism, but setting the example of” Be Careful What You Wish For,You Just Might Get It!” The only way to fight this wrongdoing is to fight fire with fire. Give these law breakers a taste of their own medicine. Stop giving life sentences to these ruthless bastards that have no sympathy for their actions, and except the cage where they can live out the rest of their lives while we pick up the tab and permitting them to live for free including pay for their bed when they die. Now tell me how inhumane is that ???