Gun Politics in America

Guests: Chris Karpowitz, PhD, Professor of Political Science, BYU; Grant Madsen, PhD, Assistant Professor of History, BYU President Trump held a listening session Wednesday with students, teachers and parents who have been affected by school shootings. Eighteen-year-old Sam Zeif survived last week’s shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, but his best friend did not. During the meeting, President Trump promised to do something to address school shootings. Trump called for more mental institutions, indicated interest in the idea of arming trained teachers with concealed weapons and raising the age limit to buy an assault weapon. He also promised to be “very strong on background checks.” But, if history is any guide, the President will have trouble delivering those things.