When it comes to Second Amendment issues, it doesn't take long for the 2016 presidential candidates to weigh in.
Following the White House's announcement that the president would take executive action to increase gun regulation, and President Obama's Tuesday press conference, the White House hopefuls used Twitter to voice their opinions.
#StopGunViolence was Twitter's top trend and the hashtag used by the White House. #GunsInAmerica was also promoted by CNN. The network will host a town hall Thursday where the president will further discuss his new gun-control measures.
Unsurprisingly, the most vocal candidates were those promising to reverse any actions taken by Obama.
Because Obama's actions sidestep Congress, his successor could reverse or uphold the executive orders just as easily as they were instated. Measures taken by the president include increasing the efficiency of background checks, clarifying a loophole that allows guns to be more easily sold online or at conventions, researching and implementing gun-safety technology, and providing funding for mental-health care.
Republican candidates were ready to decry efforts by the administration.
In a video tweeted by Jeb Bush prior to the White House press conference, he strongly disagreed with the president, saying, "The protection of the Second Amendment keeps us safe," and that gun ownership "reeks of common sense."
NEW VIDEO: I will fight as hard as I can against any effort by Pres. Obama to challenge our 2nd Amendment rights.https://t.co/zdiunpuwDd
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) January 5, 2016
He also tweeted a statement shortly following the press conference.
Other GOP candidates similarly tweeted about what they believe to be a constitutional violation.
Today Obama proved again why he’s 1 of most liberal & divisive presidents in history. I’ll repeal his exec orders & protect 2nd Amend.
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) January 5, 2016
The President's actions have everything to do with advancing his political agenda & little to do with actually protecting American citizens.
— Dr. Ben Carson (@RealBenCarson) January 5, 2016
Any executive order President Obama signs that regulates firearms transactions will merely regulate the freedom of law abiding citizens.
— Dr. Ben Carson (@RealBenCarson) January 5, 2016
As President, I will reverse Obama's unconstitutional gun rules on day one. https://t.co/3x7BWMiNKT
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 5, 2016
Another lawless, unconstitutional overreach. The 2nd Amendment is an individual right. Mr. President, how about enforcing the laws we have?
— Carly Fiorina (@CarlyFiorina) January 5, 2016
.@BarackObama You say if we can save one life we should. Well, apply 5th & 14th amendments to the unborn & save 4,000 lives a day. #ProLife
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) January 5, 2016
Front-runner Donald Trump commented on the possibility of an executive order to regulate firearms Sunday on CBS's Face the Nation where he said, "I don't like anything having to do with changing our Second Amendment."
The Democratic presidential candidates, who agree with the president's actions to increase gun regulations, vocalized support but to a lesser extent than their Republican counterparts.
Thank you, @POTUS, for taking a crucial step forward on gun violence. Our next president has to build on that progress—not rip it away. -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) January 5, 2016
.@POTUS is right to act—every day we spend debating gun control is a day that we lose lives. One life is worth more than all gun sales. -O'M
— Martin O'Malley (@MartinOMalley) January 5, 2016
I support President Obama's executive actions to make our communities safer.https://t.co/bKVHdsIkfS
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) January 5, 2016
We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to letters@theatlantic.com.
Sarah Gibbens is a producer on National Journal's audience development team. She previously worked as a digital media fellow at The Podesta Group and as a writer for San Antonio-based newspaper The Rivard Report. Sarah graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio where she was the editor-in-chief of the independent student newspaper, The Paisano.