Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action Release Video of 2020 Presidential Candidates Speaking about Importance of Gun Violence Prevention
6.14.2019
NEW YORK — Days before the first Democratic presidential debates, Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America today released a video of 2020 presidential candidates speaking out about their support for gun safety while on the campaign trail. It is just the latest indication of the prominent role gun violence prevention will play in the 2020 election.
The video features a variety of candidates discussing their support for background checks, Red Flag laws, bump stock prohibitions and other policies, and articulating that expressing thoughts and prayers without action are not enough to address the gun violence that kills 100 Americans every day and wounds hundreds more.
“Not so long ago, gun safety was the third rail of American politics — but now it’s one of the first things candidates are talking about on the campaign trail,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown. “Everytown is committed to making sure voters know where the candidates stand on gun safety, and what they plan to do about it if they win the White House.”
“This is a sea change in American politics,” said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “As candidates speak up about gun safety more than ever, Moms Demand Action volunteers are committed to standing alongside them, and making sure voters know who will act to keep our families safe when elected.”
Although it is still early, the 2020 presidential cycle has been notable for the number of candidates proudly embracing gun safety as an issue to run and win on.
Last month, Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund announced the release of the 2020 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate questionnaire to all major 2020 presidential candidates. Each candidate has until early July to complete and return the questionnaire in order to be considered for the presidential Gun Sense Candidate distinction this cycle. Questionnaires ask about where the candidates stand on the issues, how candidates are making gun safety a central part of their campaigns and how candidates will lead on gun safety if they win.
In order to qualify for the Gun Sense Candidate distinction, candidates must also address Moms Demand Action members in person. The first opportunity for presidential candidates to do so will be during Gun Sense University, on August 3, 2019, in Washington, D.C.
And on National Gun Violence Awareness Day, June 7, 19 Democratic presidential candidates participated in Wear Orange, an annual day honoring all gun violence survivors and all Americans affected by gun violence.