In a recent interview on CNN, Senator Tom Cotton vehemently disagreed with the notion that school shootings are an unavoidable aspect of American life while also criticizing Kamala Harris’s stance on school safety.

The conversation, led by CNN’s Dana Bash, explored the implications of police presence in schools following a recent school shooting.

Dana Bash opened the discussion by posing a direct question to Senator Cotton, asking, “Do you accept that school shootings like this are just a way of life now?”

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Cotton’s response was emphatic as he defended his and JD Vance’s views against misinterpretations in the media. “No, absolutely not. And JD Vance doesn’t either,” Cotton asserted. He elaborated on recent coverage errors, stating, “He said that he doesn’t want them to be a fact of life, and this week, the Associated Press got caught distorting that quote from him so bad that they had to retract it.”

Dana Bash absolutely floored by Tom Cotton’s answer on school shootings, by highlighting Kamala’s record on taking police out of schools:
Dana Bash: “Do you accept that school shootings like this are just a way of life now?”
Tom Cotton: “It wasn’t as bad as it might have been… pic.twitter.com/v8mSajlCyW

— Eric Abbenante (@EricAbbenante) September 8, 2024

Cotton highlighted the crucial role of law enforcement in mitigating the potential devastation of school shootings, contrasting this reality with Harris’s previous statements on school policing. “But here’s what we also know about that shooting, even as we’re still gathering all the facts, it wasn’t as bad as it might have been because there was a police officer on the school premises that was able to neutralize the shooter. Kamala Harris wants to take police officers out of school. She said it in the past.” he explained.

‘*Smashcut to Kamala Harris in 2019 saying exactly that*’ In the clip, Harris stated, “Again, what we need to do about taking demilitarizing our schools and taking police officers out of school.”

Senator Cotton criticized this approach, arguing that it could lead to increased danger for students and teachers. “That’s her position. It’s not surprising because she’s consistently taken positions against law enforcement throughout her career as a San Francisco liberal. If that police officer hadn’t been there if Kamala Harris had gotten her way, many more students and teachers might have been killed,” Cotton remarked.

The senator’s strong rebuke of Harris’s policy suggestions comes at a time when school safety is a critical issue for many Americans.

Cotton’s comments underscore a significant policy divide between conservative approaches favoring heightened security and more liberal policies advocating for the reduction of police presence in educational settings.

This dialogue on CNN reflects the ongoing national debate over how best to protect students and school staff from such tragic incidents.

As discussions continue, the views expressed by figures like Cotton and Harris will likely play a significant role in shaping public opinion and potential legislative responses to this pressing issue.

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