Booker pitches himself as best presidential candidate to take on gun violence, NRA

Sen. Cory Booker (N.J.) said on Sunday that he’s the best candidate in the crowded 2020 Democratic presidential field to take on gun violence and the National Rifle Association (NRA). 

“If you want someone who’s going to take a fight on this issue… against the NRA then I’m your person,” Booker said on CNN’s “State of the Union” in the wake of Friday’s deadly shooting in Virginia Beach, Va.  

{mosads}Booker told CNN’s Jake Tapper that his proposal would effectively limit gun violence across the nation, adding that he lives in a community facing gun violence every day. 

Booker, who lives in Newark, N.J., said he sees shrines for “dead kids” and children hiding in response to Fourth of July fireworks. 

Tighter licensing laws and addressing gun violence as a public-health issue could limit the “uniquely American problem,” Booker said. 

“There are states that have done this that have seen precipitous drops in gun violence. We need to start looking at the things that work and enough of excuses. There are millions of Americans that live now in fear,” Booker said. 

“The only thing that seems to be lacking is a sense of moral urgency,” he added. 

Booker’s 15-point plan to address gun violence is a cornerstone of his campaign. He’s said he would take executive action on the issue on day one of his presidency if elected.