Sen. Joe Manchin released a short online video Wednesday in which he declared any notion that he supports some sort of gun confiscation measure “a bunch of crap.”
“Hi, I’m Joe Manchin, and I’ve been hearing rumors and lies about my position on guns,” the West Virginia Democrat says in a 30-second YouTube video published Wednesday and titled “Joe Manchin Talks Honest About Guns.” “I want to be very clear and tell you: I’m a proud gun owner. Nobody’s going to take my guns, and I’m sure as hell not going to let ‘em take your guns.”
“This is a bunch of crap and people talking about things they don’t know what they’re talking about,” he continues. “The only bill that I have worked on and am working on is one that will keep guns out of the hands of criminals and people mentally deranged. And that’s a fact.”
The defiant tone with which Mr. Manchin delivers the curt address underscores the passion — and the misinformation — that’s surrounded the issue over the past few months. Mr. Manchin, a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association, has been negotiating with fellow Democratic Sen. Charles E. Schumer of New York and Republican Sens. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma and Mark Kirk of Illinois on a bill to strengthen background checks for gun buyers.
