President Obama spoke on the phone Tuesday with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) about legislative action in the wake of the Newtown massacre, the senator said in a statement.
“The President called me this afternoon. We agree that as Americans and parents, all of our children belong to all of us – and we must work together to keep our precious children safe," Manchin said.
The conservative, pro-gun Democrat, who was endorsed by the National Rifle Association in 2012, said Monday that the murder of 26 people by a gunman in Newtown, Conn. had changed his views on assault weapons.
“I believe that we must have a dialogue and bring parties from all sides to the table. I know my friends at the NRA and those who support our Second Amendment rights will participate because I know that their hearts are aching for the families in Newtown, just like all Americans," Manchin said.
The president has come out in support of an attempt by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) to reinstate the assault weapons ban that expired in 2004. He has also asked members of his Cabinet to formulate a set of proposals to reduce gun violence.
