Senator Ted Cruz smiles after he is introduced during an event held by the Austin Chamber of Commerce in Austin, Texas on Friday, April 5, 2013. Titled "A Conversation with Senator Ted Cruzon Business Issues," the event was held at the Four Seasons hotel and featured moderator John Holmes who asked Sen. Cruz questions from the audience. Credit: AP
During an interview with Laura Ingraham on her radio program Wednesday, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) slammed President Barack Obama for "trying to take advantage" of the tragic Newtown shooting to push gun control. He also predicted that the administration's quest to impose stricter gun laws will come back to haunt them in 2014.
Cruz is one of 13 Senate Republicans who are threatening to filibuster Sen. Harry Reid's (D-Nev.) gun control bill, which is expected to be brought up for debate on Thursday.
"We are obviously having a debate on this. I think having a debate on this is important," Cruz said. "The question is not whether we have a debate, because that’s what we’re doing right now, the question is whether it should be a 50-vote threshold or 60-vote threshold."
The Texas Senator went on to say that any legislation that has the potential to infringe on the Bill of Rights should have a 60 vote threshold. "And that’s what I and a number of other senators are asking for is a 60-vote threshold and we’re insisting upon that," he added.
Regarding the shooting in Newtown, Cruz accused the Obama administration of "playing on emotions" and "trying to take advantage" of the horrific tragedy. He added that gun control advocates are not focused on "actual policies that will stop violent crime."
"I think the President has shown that he is willing to demagogue an issue. And I think it is ultimately going to backfire politically," Cruz explained. "In fact, in my view, as a result of their onslaught on the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms, I think there’s going to be a very significant political consequence in 2014."
"I think the stage is set for Republicans to take control of the United States Senate because of this fight right now," he added.
Cruz also responds to Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) criticism of the GOP's filibuster threat. Listen to the entire interview below via Mediaite:
(H/T: AJ Delgado, Mediaite)
Featured image via AFP/Getty
