In its first outlining of "meaningful action" geared toward preventing future mass shootings, the White House this afternoon said President Obama "strongly" supported the renewal of the assault weapons ban, and would also seek to improve gun control by "reexamining gun laws."

"He is actively supportive of, for example, Sen. [Dianne] Feinstein's stated intent to revive a piece of legislation that would reinstate the assault weapons ban," press secretary Jay Carney told reporters. "He supports and would support legislation that addresses the problem of the so-called gun show loophole, and there are other elements of gun legislation that he could support...high capacity ammunition clips, for example. That is certainly something he would be interested in looking at."

Critics previously noted that the Obama administration has so far been extremely soft on gun regulation, and even expanded the number of places where guns are allowed.

In addition to expressing his support for "common sense gun control measures," the President also spoke on the phone with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), a pro-gun lawmaker with ties to the NRA who has had a change of heart since last week's shooting.

In a statement, Manchin said he and the president agreed to "work together to keep our precious children safe," but wouldn't elaborate.

[photo via AP]