In a notable moment during Tuesday’s debate, Vice President Kamala Harris disclosed her gun ownership, a statement that took many voters by surprise but was strategically aimed at countering Republican criticisms. Harris, who owns a handgun for personal safety, has kept it securely stored at her California residence, according to a White House source.
Key quotes
“This business about taking everyone’s guns away — Tim Walz and I are both gun owners.We’re not taking anybody’s guns away, so stop with the continuous lying about this stuff,” Harris asserted during the debate. She was addressing claims from Republicans that Democrats aim to confiscate firearms.
Reflecting on her personal reasons for owning a gun, Harris said in 2019, “I am a gun owner, and I own a gun for probably the reason a lot of people do — for personal safety. I was a career prosecutor.”
Why it’s important
Harris’ revelation serves as a strategic move to bridge the gap between her support for stricter gun safety regulations and the concerns of gun owners. While she and many Democrats advocate for measures like universal background checks and bans on assault weapons, they face Republican arguments that these efforts infringe upon Second Amendment rights.
Harris aims to appeal to the substantial segment of Americans who own guns while reinforcing her stance on gun safety. This approach seeks to navigate the complex landscape of American gun politics, where the debate often centers around the balance between safety and constitutional rights.
Context
Harris has been vocal about her support for expanding red flag laws and implementing stricter gun regulations to address gun violence. Her past comments, such as those made in a 2015 Politico interview where she stated, “I’m a good marksman,” underscore her familiarity and personal experience with firearms.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump, who also discussed gun ownership during the debate, faced issues with his New York concealed carry license, which was suspended in April 2023 following his criminal indictment. Trump has since transferred two of his three pistols and relocated the remaining one to Florida.
Harris’ disclosure reflects her attempt to balance her advocacy for gun safety with an understanding of the concerns of gun owners, a crucial factor in the ongoing national debate over firearm regulation.
Key quotes
“This business about taking everyone’s guns away — Tim Walz and I are both gun owners.We’re not taking anybody’s guns away, so stop with the continuous lying about this stuff,” Harris asserted during the debate. She was addressing claims from Republicans that Democrats aim to confiscate firearms.
Reflecting on her personal reasons for owning a gun, Harris said in 2019, “I am a gun owner, and I own a gun for probably the reason a lot of people do — for personal safety. I was a career prosecutor.”
Why it’s important
Harris’ revelation serves as a strategic move to bridge the gap between her support for stricter gun safety regulations and the concerns of gun owners. While she and many Democrats advocate for measures like universal background checks and bans on assault weapons, they face Republican arguments that these efforts infringe upon Second Amendment rights.
Harris aims to appeal to the substantial segment of Americans who own guns while reinforcing her stance on gun safety. This approach seeks to navigate the complex landscape of American gun politics, where the debate often centers around the balance between safety and constitutional rights.
Context
Harris has been vocal about her support for expanding red flag laws and implementing stricter gun regulations to address gun violence. Her past comments, such as those made in a 2015 Politico interview where she stated, “I’m a good marksman,” underscore her familiarity and personal experience with firearms.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump, who also discussed gun ownership during the debate, faced issues with his New York concealed carry license, which was suspended in April 2023 following his criminal indictment. Trump has since transferred two of his three pistols and relocated the remaining one to Florida.
Harris’ disclosure reflects her attempt to balance her advocacy for gun safety with an understanding of the concerns of gun owners, a crucial factor in the ongoing national debate over firearm regulation.