Conservative commentator S.E. Cupp, appearing on her CNN program over the weekend, discussed the issue of guns in American society, and the need for stricter laws banning certain individuals from getting their hands on them.
She advocated many reforms that she’d like to see Congress take up in the near future, including universal background checks, a ban on high-capacity bullet accessories, raising the age to buy a gun up to 21, and more. She also said certain people, including those who have engaged in or threatened assault against another, shouldn’t be allowed to own a gun at all, HuffPost reported.
It’s a pointed departure for Cupp, who used to be an ardent supporter of gun rights. She was even part of a National Rifle Association ad campaign, labeling herself as an “NRA Mom” within that series.
But in light of two mass shootings occurring earlier this month, Cupp says she can no longer be in support of looser gun laws — and can’t be part of the organization itself any longer.
“I am no longer an NRA member,” Cupp said on Saturday. “Being right no longer feels righteous because in the wake of more mass shootings, acts of senseless violence that sent innocent people running for their lives, leaving children orphaned, loved ones dead on the ground, we must do something about guns.”
Cupp said she understood some would criticize her change of heart as being emotional. But she explained she didn’t care about those criticisms. “This is an emotional issue. How could it not be? In fact, it should be more emotional,” she added.
Former “NRA Mom” S.E. Cupp now says “we must do something about guns.” https://t.co/5c6Mln6Prs pic.twitter.com/iyMVdLfeps
— MoveOn (@MoveOn) August 12, 2019
Cupp’s views on guns are in line with what the American public wants to see happen as well. According to a Politico/Morning Consult poll released last Wednesday, 73 percent of voters would support stricter gun laws in general.
Americans also want to see a reform that Cupp didn’t mention — a ban on assault weapons. Only 23 percent of voters don’t want such a ban, while 70 percent said they would support efforts in Congress to pass one. Among Republicans, the number is smaller, but still a majority — 55 percent who identify as part of the GOP electorate support an assault weapons ban.