Presidential Candidates React to Obama's Gun Control Measures

In a lengthy and emotional speech today, President Obama announced executive actions for “common sense” gun control. The measures include clarification of an existing law on background checks and gun registration as well as new investments in mental health and gun safety research.

Presidential candidates on both sides of the aisle reacted strongly to Obama’s demands.

Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton took to Twitter to applaud Obama’s plan.

Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders released a statement following the president’s announcement expressing his support.

"It's become clear that no mass shooting, no matter how big or bloody, will inspire Republicans to put children and innocent Americans over the interests of the NRA. They are simply more loyal to gun lobbyists than our children,” the statement reads. “That's why I support President Obama's executive actions to make our communities safer.”

GOP candidate Jeb Bush, in an op-ed piece in Cedar Rapid’s newspaper, The Gazette, accused Obama of “trampling on the Second Amendment.” In the piece, Bush slams Obama and Clinton for “[seizing] on every opportunity to advance a gun-grabbing agenda.” Bush vows to repeal the president’s executive orders “on Day One” if elected.

At a campaign rally in Iowa today, Ted Cruz dismissed Obama’s proposals as “not worth the paper they are printed on.”

“When you live by the pen, you die by the pen and my pen has got an eraser,” he said.

Cruz also took to Twitter to express his disapproval.

Ben Carson argued on Twitter that Obama’s proposal will "regulate" freedom. He also accused the president of using the executive actions as a partisan tool.

Carly Fiorina shared her reaction on Twitter just minutes before Obama’s announcement.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee used the president's plan to promote his pro-life agenda.

Republican presidential candidate Rand Paul also took to social media to express his reaction to the proposals.

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