'I’m supporting a conversation on everything,' Manchin said. Manchin: 'I'm so proud of the NRA'

West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, who suggested earlier in the week that the time had come for some gun control restrictions, said on Wednesday that he’s “not supporting a ban on anything” and he repeatedly defended and praised the NRA.

“I’m not supporting a ban on anything. I’m supporting a conversation on everything,” Manchin said on West Virginia MetroNews.


( Also on POLITICO: Pro-gun Sen. Joe Manchin: Time to act)

Manchin has an ‘A’ rating from the NRA, and applauded the group’s decision to hold a press conference Friday where they’ve promised to offer “meaningful contributions.”

“I can’t say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to any of the things,” Manchin added when asked if he would support restrictions on magazine size or an assault weapons band. “Because all I’ve asked for, I want the NRA to tell me why we have any weapon you might want. Is there any grounds or any changes or anything they would like to look at? I don’t know. I can’t even get a conversation to have responsible people at the party, if you will, or the table, to finally come out with a conclusion.”

( PHOTOS: Pols speak out on gun control)

On Monday, Manchin drew notice when he said it was “ time to move beyond rhetoric” on gun control in the wake of the killings in Newtown.

“I don’t know anyone in the hunting or sporting arena that goes out with an assault rifle,” Manchin said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “I don’t know anybody that needs 30 rounds in the clip to go hunting. I mean, these are things that need to be talked about.”

President Barack Obama called Manchin on Tuesday to discuss the issue. Obama announced on Wednesday that Vice President Joe Biden would chair a working group on gun violence that would present recommendations by January.

( Also on POLITICO: Obama wants ‘concrete proposals’ on guns by Jan.)

Manchin opened the interview Wednesday by declaring himself a “defender of the 2nd Amendment,” announcing he didn’t plan to sell his guns and said he had been discussing the issue with the NRA, a group he praised effusively.

“These are my friends,” Manchin, who previously served as governor, said of the NRA. “They’re good people. They’re hurting. They’re in pain the same way as every American about what happened to these twenty little children. And I’m not going to let anybody be villainized.”

“I’m so proud of the NRA,” Manchin said later. “I’m so pleased they agreed to be part of this.”

Manchin spent more of the interview putting the focus on violent video games and mental health issues.

“Look at Grand Theft Auto, put out by Rockstar Games in New York City and see what it promotes,” Manchin said, adding later: “Shouldn’t that be looked into and maybe be banned?”