Democrats get #NowIsTheTime trending in push for gun control

The White House's hashtag #NowIsTheTime is trending nationwide on Twitter Wednesday afternoon, with use steadily climbing in a full-court press by Democrats to drum up public support for new restrictions on guns. 

#NowIsTheTime to protect our children & our communities by reducing gun violence. Read the President's plan: wh.gov/now-is-the-time

— The White House (@whitehouse) January 16, 2013

The White House began pushing the hashtag shortly after President Obama and Vice President Biden announced new measures addressing gun violence, simultaneously launching a website with the title "Now is the time to do something about gun violence" where Americans can download the president's plan.

In his remarks on Wednesday, Obama urged the public to get involved in urging Congress to act on gun control, and the Twitter campaign is part of that effort to increase pressure on Congress through citizen support.

"This will not happen unless the American people demand it," Obama said. "The only way we will be able to change is if their audience, their constituents, their membership says this time must be different — that this time, we must do something to protect our communities and our kids."

Democrats in Congress, led by House House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who held a press conference on gun violence shortly after Obama's, joined in the concerted effort by using the hashtag. 

Later, the president sent a personal tweet along with a photo of one of the letters he read during his presentation.

Today, the President & I put forth a plan to protect our nation's kids. #NowIsTheTime to get it done. Read our plan wh.gov/now-is-the-time -VP

— Office of VP Biden (@VP) January 16, 2013

The President has taken action to help protect families and children. Congress must now do its part to prevent gun violence. #NowIsTheTime

— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) January 16, 2013

It's time to do our part #NowIsTheTime, lets #PreventGunViolence

— Jan Schakowsky (@janschakowsky) January 16, 2013

#NowIsTheTime to re-institute limits on military-type assault weapons, high capacity magazines & armor piercing bullets

— Rep. Stephen Lynch(@RepStephenLynch) January 16, 2013

I commend the President and @vp for their bold leadership in compiling these recommendations to reduce gun violence #NowIsTheTime

— Congressmember Bass (@RepKarenBass) January 16, 2013

This is one of the letters I received after Newtown. When it comes to protecting our kids, #nowisthetime to act. -bo twitter.com/whitehouse/sta…

— The White House (@whitehouse) January 16, 2013

Updated on Jan. 17 at 8:11 a.m.

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