Conservative commentator Joe Scarborough and Rep. Tim Huelskamp (R-KS) had a tense argument over gun control during an interview Friday on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”
Huelskamp rejected the notion that an assault weapons ban would prevent gun violence, and criticized President Obama and others for politicizing last week’s massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn. The Kansas congressman argued that the Newtown shooting stemmed from a “cultural problem,” and that a law addressing access to firearms would be futile.
“I think it’s an issue of the Second Amendment, says we have the right to defend ourselves,” Huelskamp said. “The Supreme Court has upheld that. But gosh, let’s step back. Let’s not build on the tragedy in Connecticut and use that to actually push a political agenda.”
Scarborough took umbrage to Huelskamp’s characterization.
“Use that to push a political agenda? Let me ask you, what was your feeling after Sept. 11, congressman?” an indignant Scarborough asked. “Were there some changes made in this country after the tragedy of Sept. 11? Was that just using a tragedy, 3,000 deaths, to make America safer? Do you dare come on my show and say I am using the slaughter of 20 little six and seven year old children? I’m using that for political purposes, Tim?”
Watch the exchange:
