What Does it Mean to be a Conservative Democrat?

[RainDog]

84. Yeah.

Obama himself said he was more like a modern Republican circa 1980 - but that's a long way from today's Republican Party - or what's going on now was peripheral then.

I'm about where you are regarding guns. I don't like handguns. I feel uncomfortable about open carry because it seems like intimidation to me, and we're in an era where we no longer have gunslingers so... give up the fantasy is how I see that.

I also know people who have died from self-inflicted gunshots, so a big part of my aversion comes from that.

I shot a rifle when I was younger - I have family members who grew up and continue to live in farm settings, so I understand the need in a situation where an animal might kill other animals, and someone trying to protect a herd, etc.

I'm not too concerned about where someone else places my view - like you, it isn't one of my big issues, but I would definitely vote and be happy for sensible gun policy. There are responsible and irresponsible people related to any issue, and both have to be taken into account when possible.