The move marks the first concrete step by the White House toward crafting new firearms restrictions. The president did not announce any major policy decisions on Wednesday, but said the task force of Cabinet officials and outside organizations led by Biden would submit legislative proposals to him no later than January.
Some lawmakers, in the wake of the tragedy, have called for a broad-based response, looking at everything from mental health to school security to American culture. Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., in a call soon joined by others, proposed a national commission examining the entertainment industry and particularly video games.
Obama and top administration officials suggest the response to the Newtown, Conn., mass murder could include a range of recommendations. But the focus, given the debate that has accelerated on Capitol Hill in recent days, is likely to be gun control.
The president said Wednesday that he chose Biden to lead the task force in part because of his role in crafting the 1994 assault-weapons ban. Obama spoke favorably of the ban, as well as proposals to strengthen background checks and ban high-capacity magazines. The president tried to walk a line between assuring Americans that gun rights would largely be protected, while making the case for some new restrictions.
Good to see that the majority who've taken a poll associated with this article that asks, "What should the White House policy review in the wake of the Connecticut shooting focus on?" said 'Mental Health system'...note, 'Gun control' was the least favored focus...yet, you can guarantee it's this administration top priority.
ADDENDUM: A Rasmussen poll demonstrates by a 48% to 27% margin that Americans think action to treat mental illness will do more to stop another Newtown shooting than gun control legislation. Likewise, Gallup shows Americans view a police presence and mental health screenings as a more effective deterent in preventing school shootings rather than banning guns.
UPDATE I: Well, looks like another Feinstein/Reid-type flashback has arisen from the intellect of the Democratic Party...
UPDATE II: Our thinned-skin, boy wonder of a President really didn't like that last question from Tapper, did he?
Tapper: "Where have you been [on gun control]?"
Obama: "I've been President of the United States..." [translation: 'too busy']
