Pro-gun Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) said Wednesday he is “proud” of the National Rifle Association for agreeing to take part in the debate on gun control in the wake of the Newtown massacre.
“We cannot have an open dialogue with meaningful input unless the NRA is at the table,” Manchin told MetroNews’ “Talkline” in West Virginia. “These are my friends. These are good people. They’re hurting. They’re in pain the same as every American, what happened to those little children.”
On Monday, Manchin indicated he would support a ban on assault rifles, which Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has said she will introduce in the new Congress. But Wednesday, Manchin clarified. “I am not supporting a ban on anything. I am supporting a conversation on everything.”
