Former NRA #2 Calls for Gun Control; Says the NRA Is “All Smoke and Mirrors” | Amanpour and Company

For decades, the National Rifle Association has succeeded in politicizing gun control in America. But the once all-powerful organization is now fighting for its own survival--and its newest adversary comes from within its own ranks. As chief of staff to the NRA's CEO, Wayne LaPierre, Joshua Powell was de facto number two. Having been dismissed over allegations of financial misconduct, he is confronting his former employer with accusations of corruption and political extremism. He speaks with Michel Martin about his new book, "Inside the NRA."

Originally aired on September 17, 2020.

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Amanpour and Company features wide-ranging, in-depth conversations with global thought leaders and cultural influencers on the issues and trends impacting the world each day, from politics, business and technology to arts, science and sports. Christiane Amanpour leads the conversation on global and domestic news from London with contributions by prominent journalists Walter Isaacson, Michel Martin, Alicia Menendez and Hari Sreenivasan from the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City.

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[nemomonteflores]

Takes courage to own up to being part of a heinous problem and then trying to right the wrong. Respect. Insightful conversation.

[Drpermer]

As an owner of several guns, and an avid shooter, I clearly view the NRA as a threat to gun ownership, the shooting sports, and hunting. Fighting common sense gun safety measures, like universal background checks, will push the American populous further and further to outright gun bans, and for good reason. How gun owners can stand blithely by after the hundreds of mass shooting events, and ignore any constructive dialogue regarding gun safety is horrific, and paints a clear picture of what kind of people they really are. When you value nearly unregulated ownership of guns FAR above the lives of any human, you're too far gone.

[matthewbittenbender]

At least Powell admitted his guilt and changed his perspective. LaPierre and Loesche and others are still fighting to the bitter end to deal in faith with the public and radicalizing gun owners.

[landline]

Thank you Joshua Powell and all others who see the error of their ways and have the courage and integrity to change.

[mytmouse]

I’ve owned and enjoyed firearms my whole life, but the NRA went too far off the rails for me a long time ago.

[joyleenstrozier]

Hi Amanpour and Co, I like your content. I love watching your videos.

[SuperManning]

Guy gets pulled over by a cop for reckless driving.
Cop: “Can I see your license and registration please?”
Driver: “Oh, I don’t have either. I bought the car at a car show and the UAW said I didn’t need anything except cash.”
Cop: “Okay then, have a nice day.”

[gamtngirl]

Good grief. Lighten up, interviewer. I am grateful for this man, and the book he has written. Thank you, Josh Powell.

[lewisbeshers]

The NRA we grew up with believed in safety and registering weapons, and supported hunters and shooting sports. This nouveau NRA that it morphed into, was an extension of the gun manufacturers marketing divisions, and served only to protect and promote the sales of guns, regardless of ethical and morally bankrupt virtues. Like everything else, in the end it becomes about money and power. They accepted money from Russians, even though citizens of Putin aren't allowed to have guns in. So they also became useful idiots, pouring illegal cash into the campaign coffers of the RNC. Facepalm...

[suezbell]

An $850, 000 offer for a non-disclosure agreement? Shades of T rump. It's always about the money.

[dwalden]

My mother always said ‘Be weary of men who get nosejobs.” I’m talking to you Wayne LaPierre. I see you. 👃🏼

[maxheadrom]

This guy deserves my applause. To recognize his mistakes and go public with it is an act of heroism these days.

[roxysage]

Absolutely fascinating interview! I am not surprised by the horrific actions by the NRA, however hearing the details from an insider makes my stomach turn. The level of corruption that we are seeing in this country is disheartening. Weeping for the future.

[NotTheSameAsIWas]

Regular Amanpour viewer and this is definitely Not my favorite of this interviewer. Please let the man finish his explanations and maybe not take a hostile stance with every single question. We could have learned so much more.

[suezbell]

Advertising is a multi-billion dollar industry because repetition of a message matters.
NRA organized and financed a distorted message of gun ownership.

[janusatthegate]

And for amendment advocates to say mass slaughters have nothing to do with the proliferation of guns is as dark slime hatefulness as Trump's lies. Guns should be under laws, taxes, licensing, and everything that other dangerous items/machines have.

[greenengold]

He almost choked on the Mea Culpa question. Not a very good lawyer if he wasn't ready for that. Other than that. Good Job sir.

[AdamWestish]

these days, you can judge how good a politician is by how long they can resist the NRA

[whygohome]

Riddle me ISN'T CORRUPT IN OUR GOD FORSAKEN AMERICA?

[suttonmatthew]

I am a NRA Life Benefactor member of this organization, and remember three decades ago the organization was dedicated to public safety and firearms education. Over the years, it's become a right-wing extremist group with the purpose of raising funds for Republican politicians. What they may not realize it that this tactic has alienated 50% of the American population, and has caused the Second Amendment to be a right-wing political component of the U.S. Constitution. I happen to own an AR-15, but I have 30-years of active duty training in the military, and am competent with the firearm as well as fully understanding the application of deadly force with a forearm as a private citizen. No, not everyone has a right to own a forearm. Even military and law enforcement agencies have firearms qualification standards. The NRA has advocated for zero forearms ownership regulation, and have excluded the 50% of the country who identify as Democrats. Blame also goes to the democrats who have not embraced the second amendment for what our founding fathers envisioned it to be. The NRA has failed to maintain its founding principles, and needs to be tossed into the scrap heap of history.

Before throwing the baby out with the bathwater, the NRA sponsored LI.F.E. program needs to be salvaged. This program is a requirement in Hawaii before being granted a firearms purchase permit. It's a full eight-hour day of classes and practical application with firearms with an emphasis on safety. Other states should use it as a model program for legal firearm ownership. It doesn't need to be an NRA affiliated course of instruction, but it's the only remaining program that embraces the ethos of the old NRA as envisioned by its founder.