Barack Obama and Gun Control: Effective and Shrewd

Published on December 17, 2010
Duration: 9:38

This video discusses Barack Obama's approach to gun control, arguing that despite vocal criticism from some groups, his administration implemented effective and shrewd policies. The discussion highlights the appointment of Andrew Traver to head the ATF and a new interpretation of regulations impacting professional testing companies and firearms journalists. It also touches on media pressure for stricter gun control and the political calculus involved in pursuing such measures, especially in light of Congressional opposition.

Quick Summary

Barack Obama's gun control approach was analyzed as effective and shrewd, involving subtle ATF policy changes and appointments rather than direct legislative fights. Despite media pressure for stricter measures like executive orders on long gun sales, Congressional opposition, including from within his own party, made legislative action difficult, leading the administration to prioritize other agenda items.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Topic
  2. 00:14Publication Context
  3. 00:41Assessing Obama's First Two Years
  4. 00:51Criticism vs. Actual Actions
  5. 01:04Supreme Court Appointments
  6. 01:11ATF Leadership Appointment
  7. 01:27Policy Changes and Regulations
  8. 01:40Ban on Folding Knives
  9. 01:45ATF Regulation on Testing Companies
  10. 02:07ATF Admission on Loaner Guns
  11. 02:24Firearms Owner in New Jersey Example
  12. 02:55Massachusetts Lab Example
  13. 03:21ATF Creating Problems
  14. 03:42Political Capital Cost
  15. 04:01Media Pressure for Action
  16. 04:23New York Times Editorial
  17. 04:44Media Pushing Obama
  18. 05:19Trade-offs and Confrontations
  19. 05:30Congress in 2009-2010
  20. 06:04Intelligent Prioritization
  21. 06:22Gun Control Trial Balloons
  22. 06:36Eric Holder's Statement
  23. 06:42Assault Weapons Ban Opposition
  24. 06:58Hopelessness of the Fight
  25. 07:08Wise Decision to Avoid Fight
  26. 07:23Looking at the Next Congress
  27. 07:32Blue Dogs and Re-election
  28. 07:39Democratic Party Shift
  29. 07:46Anticipating Future Fights
  30. 08:02Running for Re-election
  31. 08:11Incoming Congress Calculation
  32. 08:37Difference in Calculation
  33. 08:41Democrats Under Nancy Pelosi
  34. 09:02Pro-Gun House Proportion
  35. 09:13Representing Caucus Interests
  36. 09:23Closing Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific actions did the Obama administration take regarding gun control, according to the analysis?

The analysis highlights the appointment of an 'anti-gun extremist' to head the ATF and a new ATF interpretation restricting loaner guns for firearms testing. It also notes media pressure for executive orders on long gun sales reporting, though direct legislative action was limited due to Congressional opposition.

Why is the Obama administration's gun control approach described as 'effective and shrewd'?

The approach is deemed effective and shrewd because it involved subtle policy changes and appointments rather than overt legislative battles that were likely to fail. This strategy conserved political capital and avoided direct confrontation with a resistant Congress, while still advancing certain aspects of the gun control agenda.

What role did the media play in pushing for gun control during Obama's presidency?

The media, particularly outlets like The New York Times, acted as a political constituency, pressuring President Obama to take stronger action on gun control, including considering executive orders. This pressure stemmed partly from dissatisfaction within his base and a desire for more stringent regulations.

What was the impact of Congressional opposition on Obama's gun control agenda?

Significant Congressional opposition, exemplified by 65 Democratic members opposing an 'assault weapons' ban renewal, made legislative action on gun control appear 'hopeless.' This led the administration to strategically avoid pushing for such measures, focusing instead on areas where legislation was more achievable.

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