In a recent discussion with Oprah Winfrey, Vice President Kamala Harris made a bold statement about her stance on gun ownership, saying anyone breaking into her home is “getting shot.” The statement came as Harris reaffirmed her support for gun ownership while advocating for tighter regulations, especially in the context of assault weapons.
Harris’s views on firearms have drawn attention as she prepares for the November election, where her position on gun control has become a focal point of debate. Speaking to Winfrey, Harris emphasized her commitment to stricter gun laws, particularly banning assault weapons like AR-15s, which she referred to as “literally designed to be a tool of war.” She added, “It has no place on the streets of a civil society.”
Shifting Stance on Gun Buyback Programs
Harris’s opponents have increasingly criticized her shifting stance on guns. While she has consistently supported an assault weapons ban, her position on mandatory buyback programs has changed. During a debate moderated by ABC News, it was pointed out that Harris no longer supports a mandatory buyback of assault-style weapons, such as AR-15s.
This marks a departure from her position during the 2020 Democratic primary when Harris voiced strong support for such a program. At the time, she said, “We have to have a buyback program, and I support a mandatory gun buyback program,” emphasizing the need to reduce the number of assault weapons in civilian hands. However, during the recent debate, she did not provide a clear explanation for her shift on this issue.
This #KamalaHarris & #Oprah sit-down interview is going really bad right now.
She is struggling to stay on track & her answers are VERY Cringe!!
This is her 3rd train wreck interview. pic.twitter.com/wCnjNeh48z
— Black Alpha Network (@BlackAlphaNetw1) September 20, 2024
Harris on Gun Ownership and the Second Amendment
Harris confirmed to Winfrey that she has been a gun owner for some time, saying that she owns a firearm for personal safety. She reiterated her support for the Second Amendment, which guarantees the right to bear arms. However, she stressed that this right must be balanced with responsible laws to prevent gun violence.
“While I support the Second Amendment, we must have common-sense laws in place to protect our communities from the devastating impact of gun violence,” Harris said. She further elaborated on the need for an assault weapons ban and universal background checks, citing the growing number of school shootings as a national crisis.
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“It is bone-chilling for a child to go through active shooter drills,” Harris remarked. “It doesn’t have to be this way.” Her comments were particularly poignant in light of a recent mass shooting at a high school in Georgia, where a 14-year-old boy was charged with murdering four people.
Trump vs. Harris: A Gun Debate
Gun control has emerged as a central issue in the 2024 presidential race, with Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump clashing over their respective stances. Trump has claimed that Harris would confiscate “everybody’s gun” if elected, an assertion Harris denied. She pointed out that both she and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, are responsible gun owners. Walz, an avid hunter, has also supported gun safety reforms without infringing on lawful gun ownership.
Trump, who has owned firearms in the past, faced restrictions on his gun ownership after being charged with criminal offenses in New York. He was required to surrender two of his guns and faces limitations on the third.
Harris’s Plan for Gun Control
At a rally in North Carolina, Harris set forth her plan to address gun violence. She emphasized the importance of an assault weapons ban, universal background checks, and red-flag laws. These laws allow courts to temporarily remove guns from individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others. “We who believe in the freedom to live safe from gun violence will finally pass an assault weapons ban,” Harris told the crowd.
Her plan has gained support from various sectors, particularly in light of the country’s ongoing struggle with mass shootings. However, it remains a contentious topic, with strong opposition from gun rights groups and Republican lawmakers who argue that such measures infringe on personal freedoms.
Overview
As the 2024 election approaches, Harris’s evolving stance on gun control will likely remain a key issue. While she has faced criticism for her shifting views, she continues to advocate for stronger gun laws to address the rising tide of gun violence across the United States. With support for an assault weapons ban and red-flag laws, Harris is pushing a policy agenda aimed at creating safer communities, while maintaining her commitment to the Second Amendment.
