Former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory (R) said Sunday "the violence is a cultural problem that this country must face" while discussing the prevalence of guns in the U.S. on NBC's "Meet the Press."
Context: McCrory lost the Republican primary for North Carolina's open Senate seat this month to Rep. Ted Budd, a gun store owner who received former President Trump's endorsement.
Between the lines: McCrory said voters in his state were concerned about crime. While the crime rate reduced during his stint as governor of North Carolina, McCory said, voters saw his opponent carrying a gun in his ads as "a more powerful message."
"He was 'tougher.' I was 'weaker,' and yet my record of accomplishment fighting crime is unsurpassed," McCrory said. "It's a symbolism."
McCrory called for "common-sense" solutions to regulate guns.
The big picture: The recent mass shootings in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, New York, have sparked renewed discussions of potential gun control legislation.
Though some Republicans have remained steadfast in opposing any regulation on guns, a bipartisan group of senators has convened to discuss potential measures.
