Watch the Exchange That Unfolds When MSNBC Journalist Engages Conservative Reporter on Gun Control

MSNBC political analyst Mark Halperin initiated a gun control debate with National Review’s Charles C.W. Cooke on Friday, saying he “completely” agrees with President Barack Obama that steps must be taken to address gun violence.

MSNBC

While Cooke expressed his desire to eradicate mass shootings, like the one that left nine people dead at an Oregon college on Friday, he argued there is a shortage of proven solutions to the "complicated" problem.

“This is not a competition to see who is the most vexed, this is public policy debate,” Cooke said, referring to Joe Biden’s reaction to Thursday’s deadly college shooting. “Joe Biden doesn’t know how to fix this problem; I don’t know how to fix this problem; I think it’s fair to say you don’t know how to fix this problem.”

Cooke continued, “The way they talk is as if they have the answer and there are just these…forces in the country that say, ‘no, no, no,’ even though somewhere deep down they know their legislation will work. That is simply not the case. It’s far more complicated than that.”

After listening to Cooke’s argument, Halperin said he wanted to “engage” the reporter in a “civil way.” He went on to criticize Cooke for calling the gun issue “complicated” and claiming other people’s solutions won’t work.

“I don’t think that’s enough. I completely agree with the president,” Halperin said. “People need to find solutions to this and not talk about what won’t work and that it’s so complicated. We can’t be the only country that’s like this.”

Cooke quickly replied, “Alright, well then with respect, what’s your plan?”

Halperin said there are “short-term solutions” like state and federal regulations, but “coming up with ideas” is also important.

“But which ideas, Mark?” Cooke pressed.

“We can talk about specific policy in a second, but just let me finish this second point,” Halperin replied, later criticizing his fellow reporter for his “tone” on the issue.

Watch the rest of the exchange below:

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