Why did Kerry just talk about the AWB when campaigning today?

[Kat45]

I couldn't believe it!. I thought the Dems were avoiding that issue because it killed them in previous elections (eg, midterms in Clinton's term). Then tonight on the ABC news, I see him talking about it in St. Louis (which apparently has a high murder rate).

It's bad enough the NRA is set to endorse bush when the AWB expires next week, which means they'll pore money into the bush (and other repub) campaigns. Man, I hope this doesn't hurt him, and other Dems. Not all gun owners are freepers; some are more middle-of-the-road folks, but the gun issue could sway them to the chimp.

(Sorry I don't have a link; I just saw it on the news five minutes ago.)

[Comicstripper]

1. The reason is that

polls show 2/3 to 3/4 of Americans support the ban. Kerry knows that.
Go JFK.

[Leilani]

4. People who support the ban are not single issue voters

People who oppose the ban are.

Intensity is the key here.

This is lose/lose.

Kiss W.Va & a few other states goodbye.

[Kat45]

9. That may be true, but

except for those who have been personally affected by firearms tragedies, most of these folks don't vote just based on this one issue (and many are probably already in Kerry's camp)--some don't even care all that much about the issue. Kerry needs to get a number of those middle-of-the-roaders, and unfortunately, many of the gun owners care way too much about a candidate's position on guns, and even if they agree with him on every other issue, their vote can be lost on this issue alone. This is the one issue on which I was hoping Kerry would stay ambiguous. :shrug:

[Redneck Socialist]

19. Too bad, he was doing pretty well with the hunting photo ops.

I suspect that he has decided to write off the gun vote, a mistake IMO.

The platform was significantly moderated this year on this issue but Kerry clearly decided to go the other way.

[childslibrarian]

2. Maybe he's decided to tell the truth

about what he stands for?

[Nite Owl]

3. He made a good connection

to terrorism. He has also had photo ops in 'hunter mode'. Most Americans can see that difference and the NRA wasn't going to endorse Kerry either way.

[billbuckhead]

8. Dems look like weenies when they don't stand up to the RBKA extremists

It's about time.

[MichaelHarris]

5. Its a tough issue for both candidates

The DNC knows the NRA will never support a Dem so it makes it a valid issue for Kerry to discuss. Deep down the NRA guys know bush doesn't want it to lapse but he doesn't have the balls to force it through because of the far-right votes it will cost. Kerry knows those far-right votes are lost so he campaigns on the very real issue that those weapons are dangerous, basically protecting Americans while bush protects votes.

Kerry sees the difference between protecting Americans and protecting votes, he stands for the REAL America.

[TheDonkey]

6. Not many gun owners want assualt weapons littering the street

especially in this state of terrorism.

This is the most ridiculous thing I can think of letting huge magazines and more mass produced killing machines in the hands of terrorists and thugs.

Only the KKK and NRA wing of the right wing want this ban lifted (for obvious reasons). Kerry is making a good move with using this.

People have seen over these 10 years there guns weren't taken away yet crime was reduced.

[Redneck Socialist]

20. It's far from just the KKK and NRA.

There are many Dems that see this as a loser issue for use. It was an absurd piece of legislation in the first place and should be allowed to die a quiet death.

[cmd]

7. Fantastic Kerry AWB ad running now in Ohio

This can score big with women in the state.

[Kat45]

10. I'm curious -- what is the gist of the ad?

[cmd]

16. It shows the speed that bullets can be fired

and discusses the damage they can do. I need to see it again to be able to tell you who sponsors it. All I'm sure of is that I was impressed by it.

[Kat45]

17. Thanks. If you find out who sponsors it, let me know.

I'm curious; it sounds like a good way to present the issue.

[TexasSissy]

11. Police officers support the ban. Kerry's backers include firemen,

who are closely aligned with police officers.

It could also just be an issue dear to his heart.

It's not a huge issue w/me, however. I care about it. But I care more about other issues.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

12. Because he tied it in with terrorism and made Bush look bad

with his statement today.
Bush is enabling terrorists by allowing it to lapse.
The timing is good, it doesn't allow Bush much time to respond.

[Kat45]

14. Interesting. I didn't hear that part of the comment.

Just heard a little snippet. I'll have to look it up online.

[cheshire]

13. Some folks find problems every where they look.

[Kat45]

18. Are you talking to me?

[maxsolomon]

15. the Average White Band is irrelevant to this campaign

issue dismissed!

[bigtree]

21. The AWB is not directed on responsible gun owners

For christsakes, al Qaeda is telling their supporters how easy it is to get an assault weapon in the U.S. Did you see Sarah Brady?

I stand with reasonable Americans who want some reasonable restrictions on these weapons. No one should be bullied into supporting the unneccessary and unreasonable access to these destructive weapons, and we shouldn't be cowed into accepting the falshood that anyone wants to deprive responsible gunowners of lesser weaponry.

[Kat45]

22. Unfortunately, there are responsible gun owners who buy into

the NRA's slippery slope logic, that even one reasonable gun law will lead to the government confiscating all guns from everyone. Yeah, I think it's ridiculous "logic" as well, but the NRA has scared too many folks into believing it.