Biden on gun violence: Obama may issue executive orders

UPDATED

WASHINGTON–Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday said when it comes to curbing gun violence, “this is a moral issue” and President Barack Obama may consider issuing executive orders.

It is not all-or-nothing when it comes to action, Biden said. He rejected getting “caught up in the notion that unless we can do everything we’re going to do nothing.”

Biden spoke at the beginning of one of a series of meetings he is holding as the chief of President Barack Obama’s gun task force, created in the wake of the Sandy Hook School massacre.

Biden said Obama is mulling issuing executive orders–taking actions that do not require Congressional approvals.

On Wednesday, Biden is meeting with victim’s groups and gun safety organizations including the Illinois Coalition Against Handgun Violence. Attorney General Eric Holder is also at the meeting.

On Thursday, Biden’s meetings will include one with a representative of the National Rifle Association in a day that will take in “advocates for sportsmen and women” as well as gun ownership groups.

The NRA in the wake of the Sandy Hook shootings created a program to put armed guards in the nation’s schools. NRA chief Wayne LaPierre said in December, “the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.”

The Biden group will also meet this week with representatives of the entertainment and video game industries.

From White House Press Secretary Jay Carney: ” Secretary Duncan will meet with representatives from parent, teacher, and education groups. Secretary Sebelius will meet with mental health and disability advocates. And senior White House staff have also held and will continue to hold meetings with a variety of stakeholders, including medical groups, community organizations, child and family advocates, business owners, faith leaders, and others.”