On Monday, former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg stopped by The View, where he discussed a potential 2020 presidential run, the future of the Democratic party, and the need for common-sense gun laws. The latter point rubbed conservative host and self-described NRA member Meghan McCain the wrong way, and the two quickly got into a disagreement over guns. While things were relatively tame by The View‘s standards, likely because Bloomberg is a family friend of McCain’s, the vibe was notably chilly when Bloomberg schooled the host on the importance of “background checks,” a process that he insisted is anything but “anti-gun.”

After Bloomberg insisted upon the need for moderate Democrats, McCain pivoted the conversation towards gun legislation. “You’re a leading voice in the anti-gun movement, which puts you immediately at odds with a lot of Republicans,” she said. Bloomberg immediately corrected her, saying that all he’s “asked for are background checks.” He continued, “We shouldn’t be selling guns to minors, to people with psychiatric problems, or people with criminal records.” Bloomberg’s statement was met with a huge round of applause from the audience, as well as some “Mmhms” from The View‘s panel.

But despite pushing for common-sense practices, Bloomberg assured McCain that he’s not trying to take away anyone’s guns. “The Second Amendment gives you the right to own weapons, and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s the Constitution; we’re not going to change it,” he said. “If you want to buy a gun and go through a background check process, that’s what the law lets you do. I’m not in favor of taking that away one bit.” Bloomberg added that despite their differences, NRA members have told him they plan to vote for him if he runs.

McCain fired back, asking if it “disheartens” him that “there hasn’t been any legislation passed since Sandy Hook,” but Bloomberg wasn’t biting. “There’s been a lot at the state level,” he said. “There are 18 states that have put in background check requirements.” The former mayor went on to slam Congress for declining to do the same at a national level. “It would be a lot easier if Congress did it — just have background checks,” he pleaded before adding that even NRA members are in favor of the legislation. “When you survey NRA members, 80 to 90 percent of them want background checks.”

Bloomberg and McCain’s debate begins at the 5:33 mark in the video above.

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