Bipartisan gun control amendment fails in the Senate

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

It's a problem when a bill is voted down with a 54-46 majority. That's not how Democracy should work.

America is not a democracy.

[anvi]

Of course, the outcome today was absurd.  But politicians tend to move on issues if they think there is a good chance they'll lose their office or overall party strength if they vote against public opinion.  That's the reason former opponents of comprehensive immigration reform are now moving toward it.  By contrast, regarding this issue, Senators are not afraid of losing their seats over the background checks issue.  If they don't believe the voters will override their big donors or big, organized and moneyed political threats, then politicians will generally stick with the latter.  Just goes to show you, if a politician is in office for the mere purpose of staying in office, it's not likely that they will do much good in public policy.   

[morgieb]

Horrible stuff.

Heitkamp has a lot of questions to answer. At least the others were up for re-election, but still opposing this bill is dumb. And I'm not even that big on gun control.

[publicunofficial]

If Tim Johnson can vote for the bill, Heitkamp has no goddamn excuse. And Baucus gives me one more reason to dislike him.

Congratulations Manchin, you're no longer my most disliked Democrat senator.

[Franzl]

It's a problem when a bill is voted down with a 54-46 majority. That's not how Democracy should work.

America is not a democracy.

At least not a particularly good one, yeah.

[Torie]

What is the best case those opposed to this Bill can make? Guns are low on my interest list, so I don't spend a lot of time following this stuff, but would be interested.

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

It's a problem when a bill is voted down with a 54-46 majority. That's not how Democracy should work.

America is not a democracy.

At least not a particularly good one, yeah.

It was never designed to be.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

It's a problem when a bill is voted down with a 54-46 majority. That's not how Democracy should work.

America is not a democracy.

At least not a particularly good one, yeah.

It was never designed to be.

That's the point a lot of people point to when the Congress does something pretty bloody awful/stupid... as this is.

But yes, it's a Representative Republic...

[BluegrassBlueVote]

Horrible stuff.

Heitkamp has a lot of questions to answer. At least the others were up for re-election, but still opposing this bill is dumb. And I'm not even that big on gun control.

Obama's aides (according to sources) said she would've gone along with it if the vote was closer. Still, obviously disappointing optics-wise.

[MrGoose]

I understand the reason for national background checks, but would anything in this bill stop any of the family members of those standing behind Obama being killed? I agree with this bill, but I think their arguments for the legislation don't apply to the bill.

[Likely Voter]

I've seen at least two republicans talk about how the reason they voted against this was because when someone wants to sell his gun on the internet he would be forced to have to run a background check via a gun dealer, as if that was some horrible horrible thing. The amazing thing is that it is legal to sell a gun on craigslist without any background check.

[Franzl]

It's a problem when a bill is voted down with a 54-46 majority. That's not how Democracy should work.

America is not a democracy.

At least not a particularly good one, yeah.

It was never designed to be.

That's not really an argument for the merits of the system.

[Bacon King]

\

It's a problem when a bill is voted down with a 54-46 majority. That's not how Democracy should work.

America is not a democracy.

At least not a particularly good one, yeah.

It was never designed to be.

Pointless obstructionism: it's not a bug, it's a feature!

[Landslide Lyndon]

I really hope Bloomberg puts his millions where his mouth is when 2014 comes. It will be delicious to see all those clowns hammered to oblivion for being NRA stooges.

[Knives]

Your gun control is an embarrassment for your country. I've never seen such a pathetic system of government, you guys need a new way of making laws.

[Franzl]

Your gun control is an embarrassment for your country. I've never seen such a pathetic system of government, you guys need a new way of making laws.

But...but...the founders wanted it this way!!!

[Knives]

Your gun control is an embarrassment for your country. I've never seen such a pathetic system of government, you guys need a new way of making laws.

But...but...the founders wanted it this way!!!

In hindsight I highly doubt they would anymore.

[Mr. Morden]

Your gun control is an embarrassment for your country. I've never seen such a pathetic system of government, you guys need a new way of making laws.

But...but...the founders wanted it this way!!!

In hindsight I highly doubt they would anymore.

They didn't at the time either....seeing as how there is no 60% supermajority requirement in the constitution.

[Zarn]

Freedom Vote

[Franzl]

Freedom Vote

Indeed, how dare they try to keep guns out of known criminals' hands!

[Zarn]

This would not have prevented Newton.

[Franzl]

This would not have prevented Newton.

So what?

[Knives]

This would not have prevented Newton.

We know, America needs a full ban.

[Sopranos Republican]

This would not have prevented Newton.

We know, America needs a full ban.

Right, because all know felons with connections, follow weapon bans.

[Franzl]

This would not have prevented Newton.

We know, America needs a full ban.

Right, because all know felons with connections, follow weapon bans.

Some would still find guns, just like some find or make bombs, but do you seriously believe there wouldn't be more violence through bombs if you sold them in stores?