Bill Clinton Gives Down-Home Advice On Persuading Other Side: “We gotta reach people where they live”

The former president offered tips on advocating for reasonable gun control on “The Late Late Show.”

Former President Bill Clinton, who signed a ten-year assault weapons ban, said on Wednesday that reformers can win new gun-control laws by watching their tone with gun enthusiasts.

Clinton explained on “The Late Late Show” that an overwhelming majority of people support sensible reform, “but the gun culture itself is sufficiently strong that there are more people who are against doing something than for it, if it’s a voting issue. A lot of gun owners are inherently suspicious of government, easy to spook, and don’t want to take a chance.”

Clinton told host James Corden that browbeating the terrified won’t help.

Clinton said he grew up in an Arkansas gun culture, still owns a hunting rifle, and used to be a member of the National Rifle Association “when when they cared about real issues.”

Americans who fear that their personal or hunting firearms may be taken away from them should be respected, he said.

“Don’t talk down to them,” Clinton said. “Instead of telling them they’re dumb if they don’t agree with you, ask for their help. … It’s not necessary for somebody to agree with you to trust you with their vote.”

Recent mass shootings in New York and Texas have sparked a debate, leading the Senate to find a bipartisan solution to the issue. But, according to Clinton, persuading the skeptics requires understanding.

“We gotta reach people where they live,” the former president said.

(Watch the video below.)