that is what it is going to take. you know, in the letter that julie wrote me, she said, i know that laws have to be passed by congress. but i beg you to try very hard. julie, i will try very hard. >> the witnesses to history today as the president made his announcement included children, cabinet members, and a sadly large group of people who are united by tragedy. the living victims of gun violence, some who have lost family members. others who have been shot themselves and survived. joining me now, two people who were in the room with the president today, congresswoman mccarthy of new york, her husband was killed and her son injured in the massacre on long island railroad. and steven barton who was shot in the aurora massacre in july.