Clinton and O’Malley slam Sanders on gun control

Easily the most tense moment of the debate

Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton spar during the Democratic debate in Nevada. (AP Photo/John Locher)

In one of the earliest and most engaging moments from the first Democratic debate, Hillary Clinton and Martin O’Malley took on Bernie Sanders’ position on gun laws.

Ms Clinton was asked on Tuesday night if Mr Sanders’ is tough enough on gun control. She simply replied, “No, not at all.”

The Democratic front-runner continued to say that it’s time America “stood up against the NRA.”

Ms Clinton, 67, and Martin O'Malley, 52, both criticised Mr Sanders, 74, for voting against legislation that would hold gun shops accountable for deadly shootings. Mr Sanders defended his record while Ms Clinton said that he was dead wrong on the issue.

“I voted against it. I was in the Senate at the same time," she said. "It wasn't that complicated to me. It was pretty straightforward to me that [Mr Sanders] was going to give immunity to the only industry in America.”

Mr O’Malley pointed to his record as the former Governor of Maryland. He of also questioned Mr Sanders committment to pushing gun laws. However, Mr Sanders responded for better mental health services and stronger background checks. He also shouted while saying that "shouting" will not help acheive the outcome most Americans want.

Surely, Mr O'Malley slightly "felt the Bern" as the Vermont Senator dismissed him by saying, “You have not been in the United States Congress."

"And when you want to, check it out," he added. "If you think that we can simply go forward and pass something tomorrow without bringing people together, you are sorely mistaken.”