When Barack Obama chose Joe Biden as his running mate, he solidified his anti-gun credentials. At the CNN/YouTube debate, Joe Biden reminded everyone how much he respects the Second Amendment:
Barry doesn’t have the greatest record on supporting gun ownership either. Erich Pratt of the Gun Owners of America writes:
Obama supports the gun ban in the nation’s capital, saying the “DC handgun law is constitutional.”4 And he is opposed to people using guns for self-defense, when those guns are owned in localities like Washington, DC and Chicago where firearms are banned.
Illinois resident Hale DeMar was prosecuted by the town of Wilmette for using a handgun in his home to defend his family in 2003. Because Wilmette had imposed a ban on the possession of handguns, several Illinois state legislators introduced SB 2165 to protect the right of self-defense for residents like DeMar.
True to form, Obama voted against the pro-gun legislation.5
It is very telling that Obama moved further to the left than most of the liberal legislators in his state. The self-defense bill protecting gun owners like DeMar passed the state senate 41-16 and was later enacted into law over the governor’s veto (and over Obama’s opposition).
The concealed carry of firearms is another important issue for gun owners, and yet Obama is not only opposed to citizens carrying guns, he supports using federal laws to override those states which currently allow the practice.
In 2004, Obama said he supports a national ban on concealed carry because the states that allow it are “threatening the safety of Illinois residents.”6 Never mind the fact that concealed carry laws have improved the safety of citizens in the states that have enacted such laws.7
Obama has also taken a strong position in favor of the Clinton semi-auto ban which sunset in 2004. “I believe we need to renew — not roll back — this common sense gun law,” Obama said.
For the record, Barack changed his opinion on the DC gun ban. Ed Morrissey at Hot Air has video showing the two differing opinions.
The idea that these two anti-gun liberals could be paired up with a liberal anti-gun Congress has gun owners running for the stores, stocking up before a newer, stricter ban is imposed:
“You’d be surprised,” said Jeff Mercer, manager of George’s Pawn and Gun Shop on High Street. “It’s people of all races, too. People are scared.”
Across town at The Gun Doctor and More on Glencrest Lane, owner Bob Godell said he has also noticed a similar trend.
“We call it the Obama factor. People are very concerned that if a Democrat is elected they will see more restrictions on handguns and assault rifles.” Godell said. “I think as a result of that we have seen steady handgun sales, and there’s been an increase in the sale of assault rifles like AK-47s, as well.”
Gregg County Republican Party Chairman Keith Rothra said Obama’s support for gun control has made some Republicans leery.
“Barack Obama seems to think that we’d be safer if people didn’t have handguns, and that’s false,” Rothra said. “I have heard several people say they are going to buy handguns as a just-in-case thing because they don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Rothra said Obama’s interpretation of the Second Amendment is faltering and concerning to many of Rothra’s political colleagues.
“Obama says that he’s in favor of people bearing arms, but its contrary to his voting record,” Rothra said. “He’s been anti-gun during his entire voting record.”
Yes it has. There is no reason to doubt that if elected, Obama will once again modify his position and become an advocate of gun control. Yet another reason to vote conserva-tarian this election.
