Marco Rubio Takes Stand On Guns, Then Seems To Backtrack

One of the most remarkable things at CNN’s Townhall Wednesday night was that Marco Rubio showed up, was repeatedly challenged and seemed to change his views on guns right before our eyes. CNN noted that Donald Trump and Florida’s Republican Governor Rick Scott were invited, but declined.

For Rubio one of the most memorable moments came when Fred Guttenberg questioned the Senator. Guttenberg’s daughter, Jaime, was one of the 17 killed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas massacre. The father, raw with emotion, came face to face with Rubio. Here’s part of their exchange:

Guttenberg: “Look at me and tell me guns were the factor in the hunting of our kids in this school this week. And look at me and tell me you accept it and you will work with us to do something about guns.”

After initially trying to dodge the question the father asked again and Rubio eventually acknowledged guns were a factor.

Guttenberg then challenged Rubio on what he is going to do to crack down on guns. Rubio said he supported banning bump stocks, changing the background check system and raising the minimum age required to buy a rifle (most of which the NRA disagrees with). What Guttenberg really wanted to know though was how Rubio felt about banning assault weapons. Rubio danced around the answer but seemed to insinuate he doesn’t support a ban because the law as it’s written doesn’t cover enough weapons (watch the full exchange above).

This morning Rubio seemed to backtrack a bit because it seems he thinks banning assault weapons isn’t popular.

When Rubio says it isn’t popular we have to wonder what mainstream he is referencing? A Quinnipiac poll out this week shows 67% of the population supports a ban on assault weapons. The only popularity contest that will matter in the end is at the polls. Rubio isn’t up for re-election until 2022, but 2018 is a good time for a real popularity contest with Rubio’s colleagues in Congress.