Obama Promises New Gun Agenda

President Obama, with the vice-president by his side, just spoke in D.C. on promises for a  new policy agenda "to try" to do something about gun violence.  Said "it's encouraging" that a broad range of people are willing to "reconsider" views but now we need "action."  Need to make access to mental health care as easy as access to guns, and look at "culture" that "glorifies" violence.  Fact that we can't prevent every act of violence doesn't mean we can't try  to stop a lot.

Announces naming of the new panel headed by Joe Biden to study new proposals to pull together "real reforms, right now" and report back quickly--in January.  Says "consensus" building--majority of Americans support background checks for all gun purchases, banning assault weapons and some ammo. 

Reiterates that he believes in 2nd Amendment and notes country has long tradition of hunting, and "regional differences." Most gun owners  responsibie and he is betting that "the vast majority"of gun owners believe that high-capacity weapons should not be in hands of people and that unbalanced people should not have access to weapons.

Then lists a few people killed across USA in recent days.  Cannot accept this violence as "routine."  He will use every power to office to further steps to halt as much as possible.  Requires the help of the American people, "all of you."  Needs "a wave of Americans," including gun owners to "stand up and say enough, on behalf of our kids." Will require "courage" but we just need to summon "one iota" of the courage shown by those teachers in Newtown.  But does not put forward any specific proposals today.

Then opened questions to press--and naturally the first one had nothing to do with what he just said.  Asked about concerns that he is cutting Social Security, he danced around it while admitting--very telling--that he had met Rep. Boehner "more than halfway."  Much later, a question comes on why he thinks he can get anything past NRA and Congress after so much failure on gun laws.  He answers that he has more faith in American public than those who say outrage will fade quickly.  Also: NRA has many members "who are mothers and fathers."  Also:  He does not believe that the 2nd Amendment means anything goes on guns.

Jake Tapper closes by pointing out that he promised action on guns in 2008 but has done nothing, so "where have you been?"  Obama points to how he's been busy on other issues as president but this "is a wake up call for all of us"  and need to re-examine priorities.   Now gun control "has to be a central issue."