Fox News "The Story with Martha MacCallum" - Transcript: Interview with Sen. Susan Collins

Interview

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So, earlier, I spoke exclusively with Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine about this and also about her own push now for new gun control measures.

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MACCALLUM: Do you think it's dangerous to sort of talk about what happened in Ferguson and, you know, this was somewhat separate from the Philadelphia issue. But, you know, when you're looking at all of this gun violence that's happening around the country, and these officers put their lives in danger.

And to go back and sort of rewrite what happened with Michael Brown, and Kamala Harris has done the same thing. And, you know, they got called out by the Washington Post for it.

But, you know, these are the sort of things that are set in campaigns that the truth matters.

SEN. SUSAN COLLINS, R-ME: The truth does matter. And also I don't understand why anyone would want to exacerbate tensions that may exist in our inner city. That's just doesn't make sense to me.

MACCALLUM: I want to play some video. The police officers who were in the street in Philadelphia, while there -- you know, fellow officers were in the middle of this firefight were pelted by people on the streets in Pennsylvania. Here's a quick look at that.

MACCALLUM: And it's hard to see that. But the things are being thrown at them. We saw the water doused in New York on police officers. There so -- you know, so much tension.

And then you've got these, you know, criminals holed up in these buildings. Shooting at police officers. You know, what do you say to the leadership in those cities about how they handle this?

COLLINS: Well, it seems to me that what we just saw is inexcusable. Here, these officers were legally trying to serve a warrant. And the one thing I have read is that it was a minority of that crowd. It was a small number of people who were pelting those officers, but regardless. So, it's totally unacceptable and horrific.

MACCALLUM: So, let's talk a little bit about what you're trying to put forward in terms of gun reforms and gun measures. You have been a lone voice for this in the Republican Party.

But you've said that you think that now, there is a moment to actually pass some legislation here. Tell me how that plays out and who's in favor of it?

COLLINS: Well, I do. First of all, I'm working with Senator Pat Toomey, and Joe Manchin on -- and with the White House on making sure that we close some loopholes in the background check system, to ensure that people with criminal records or who are mentally ill cannot purchase firearms. That's something we ought to be able to unite around.

Now, I'm not talking about foolish restrictions on family members. I wouldn't support for example the House-passed bill. Because it is overreach, it goes too far. But if we can come together working with President Trump, working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and say, that if you advertise the sale of a firearm over the Internet, there should be a background check, that makes sense to me.

MACCALLUM: Yes, you know, do you think that the president will stick with this? Because unfortunately, what we've seen too many times. I mean, people say, this is the moment because of Dayton and El Paso. But I have said, you know, if it wasn't the moment after Sandy Hook, why should anyone believe that once a few weeks pass, it doesn't go away?

COLLINS: Well, the president has been engaged and he's talked to Senator McConnell who has indicated a willingness to bring that bill to the floor.

MACCALLUM: Do you think that will happen? Do you think Mitch McConnell will take it up?

COLLINS: I do. And I think we'll see some sort of red flag bill with very strong due process -- protections.

MACCALLUM: And can you get the House to onboard with that because -- you know, I know they have said that they're not interested in anything that doesn't include universal background checks, which you're not in favor of, right?

COLLINS: No, I'm for comprehensive common-sense background checks. You know, I grew up in northern Maine where response what gun ownership was part of the heritage, virtually, every family.

But people don't want criminals and people with serious mental illness to be able to purchase fire and such this just common sense. I think the difference this time is we've had three incidents, so close together, then look at what happened in Philadelphia as well.

And we have the president saying that he is on board. So, my hope is that the Democrats truly want a solution and some progress and that they're not going to play political games with this issue. We can make a difference but only if Chuck Schumer doesn't play political games.

MACCALLUM: All right. But before I let you go, the House Judiciary Committee wants to revisit the Kavanaugh issue. You and I have talked about Brett Kavanaugh a lot over the last year.

Going back to the Bush records in the White House, and you know, combing through them to see if there's anything to sort of negate his ability to be a Supreme Court justice. What do you say to that?

COLLINS: I think that is absurd. He has been confirmed to the highest court of the -- in the land. I've been watching his decisions, he's clearly in the mainstream. And for the House Judiciary Committee, which plays no role in the confirmation process at all, and to say that it has the right to these confidential records is outrageous. And would never have been done if it were the records of President Obama's staff secretary that they were seeking. That just would not happen.

MACCALLUM: Senator Susan Collins of Maine, always good to see you. Thank you for coming in. Good to have you in New York.

COLLINS: Thank you. Thank you.

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