Obama Calls Joe Manchin, Trying To Build Coalition for New Gun Control

Manchin, who identifies himself as pro-gun rights, has signaled a willingness to back new restrictions

President Obama reached out to at least one lawmaker who has switched his position on gun control in the aftermath of the shooting rampage in Newtown, Conn, calling Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V., after the pro-gun Democrat called for action regarding gun control. 

White House spokesperson Jay Carney said the president called Manchin and, though Carney did not reveal any details of the conversation, he said the president has been "heartened" by changing positions of members of Congress.