When asked by CNN's Jake Tapper whether her different positioning on guns between the 2008 primary and the current primary constitutes a change in policy Hillary Clinton said there was no change.
"You've spoke a lot, at the debate and on the stump, about further restrictions on gun ownership," Tapper said. "I remember in 2008, during the primaries, you were positioning yourself to the right of President Obama, then-Sen. Obama, on this issue. You talked about respecting how guns are part of the culture. Sending out a mailer criticizing then Senator Obama for pushing tougher gun laws."
"Now you're coming at Bernie Sanders on this issue from the left. Did something change or is it just about who you're running against?"
"No, not at all," Clinton responded. "In fact, I would characterize what happened in ‘08 very differently."
Hillary then went on to describe her time in Arkansas and growing up with firearms as influential to her views.
"I respect the Second Amendment," Clinton said. "I was taught to shoot by my dad when I was a girl. I've gone hunting. I get that and I don't in any way want to denigrate those responsible gun owners who have rights under the Second Amendment and our laws."
"But I believe we've gone way too far in being intimidated by the [National Rifle Association] and I have said repeatedly that the majority of Americans and the majority of gun owners support universal background checks."
She then accused the National Rifle Association of "carrying water" for gun manufacturers, gun dealers, and the "most extreme of their members." Clinton has attacked the gun rights group multiple times, both in public and behind closed doors, in the past month. She has also said the Supreme Court is "wrong on the Second Amendment" and that Australia's gun ban and mandatory gun buyback are something "worth considering" in the United States.
Clinton said her current positions on guns are not a departure from her 2008 positions. "I don't think I've moved at all," she said.