In an act of shameless self-congratulation, CNN claimed that its “town hall” on gun control—an event which, despite its name, was not open to the public—constituted “… a rare reasoned and respectful interlude in one of America’s most poisoned political debates … For once, the nation’s bitter, polarized politics failed to swamp a conversation on gun violence.” What all of this means, of course, is that the attendees were selected to ensure that anti-gunners were satisfied with the results.
There were some voices who weighed in on the side of the Second Amendment. Sheriff Paul Babeu of Arizona spoke up, along with Taya Kyle, wife of legendary sniper Chris Kyle. She also submitted an editorial to CNN expressing her position. But while the pro-gun advocates made important points, this was a show staged by the president and his gun-hating media allies. There was never any question that it would end up the way CNN now boasts that it did.
