Reporter Asks Clinton About Former Opposition to ‘Blanket’ Gun Control Laws — Watch How She Handles It

Hillary Clinton dodged a reporter's question Monday about a previous statement she made opposing "blanket rules" implemented by the federal government that would govern gun purchases.

“What I favor is what works in New York,” Clinton said in 2008, as uncovered by BuzzFeed. “You know, we have a set of rules in New York City and we have a totally different set of rules in the rest of the state. What might work in New York City is certainly not going to work in Montana."

She added, "So, for the federal government to be having any kind of, you know, blanket rules that they’re going to try to impose, I think doesn’t make sense.”

However, on Monday, Clinton took another tone. The likely Democratic nominee proposed tightening regulations on firearm buyers through executive and congressional action.

When asked about her previous comment by a reporter, Clinton ignored it.

Clinton has made strengthening the nation's gun laws a centerpiece of her presidential campaign following a series of mass shootings in the past few months.

Her campaign rolled out a robust set of proposals Monday, including using executive action as president to expand background check requirements. Under current federal law, such checks are not required for sales made at gun shows or over the Internet.

Clinton pledged to require anyone "attempting to sell a significant number of guns" to be considered a firearms dealer, and therefore need a federal license. She did not say how many gun sales would constitute a "significant" number.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

—

Follow the author of this story on Twitter and Facebook:

Follow @oliverdarcy