Begich Explains Background Check ‘No’ Vote: We Shouldn’t Legislate With Our Emotions

Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter

Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK), who voted against a proposal to expand background checks for gun buyers that failed in the Senate on Wednesday, said the emotions surrounding the debate over gun violence are unconducive to policymaking.

“It’s dangerous to do any type of policy in an emotional moment,” Begich said, as quoted by the New York Times. “Because human emotions then drive the decision. Everyone’s all worked up. That’s not enough.”

Begich was one of four red state Democratic senators to vote against the proposal. He will be up for re-election next year. 

Latest Livewire
Comments
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Associate Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: