Good question.
I wondered if he was blowing smoke to appease gun grabbers, knowing that the will to pass a new ban simply isn't there?
Frankly, I have tremendous trouble thinking that anyone in any position of power could be so incredibly tone-deaf as to state publicly that the rights of Americans should be abrogated to appease the corrupt government of Mexico.
His comments were: "Well, as President Obama indicated during the campaign, there are just a few gun-related changes that we would like to make, and among them would be to reinstitute the ban on the sale of assault weapons. I think that will have a positive impact in Mexico, at a minimum." From: Holder Revives Talk Of An Assault Weapons Ban (CBS News)(^)
Mind you, I'm sure Holder would do it in a moment if he could wave a wand and get it done. But what sort of support does he now think he can possibly get in Congress after having couched his reason for wanting it in those inflammatory terms?
Can you imagine the vicious campaign ads against any congress critter who dares vote for a bill that included that?
I agree. Bill Clinton said that was the one thing he regretted doing because it cost him the house and the Senate.