Message from the Brady-ites

[Harry Tuttle]

November 4, 2004


In his successful bid for re-election, President Bush executed a winning strategy of appealing to his base supporters by taking stands on issues that appealed to culturally conservative voters. From abortion to stem cell research to gay marriage, he took positions that had significant support among his base in a successful bid to increase their turnout from 2000.


But what about guns? In stark contrast to his overall strategy, on the gun issue President Bush avoided being identified with the views of NRA partisans and instead made an appeal to the middle of the political spectrum. By the third debate, President Bush was disavowing the NRA's agenda. When host Bob Schieffer asked why Bush had not pushed Congress to renew the Assault Weapons Ban, the President said:



"Actually, I made my intentions - made my views clear. I did think we ought to extend the assault weapons ban . . . I believe in background checks at gun shows or anywhere to make sure that guns don't get in the hands of people that shouldn't have them."



These are two top priorities of the gun control movement and are opposed by the NRA. Why did the President do this? Because he concluded that opposition to sensible gun laws was, on balance, politically damaging. Given the choice of embracing the NRA's agenda, or supporting popular gun control measures, he chose the latter. President Bush and his campaign advisors felt a need to move to the middle on guns. Given the overwhelming popular support of Americans for sensible gun laws, this is not surprising.


President Bush's second term gives him another opportunity to keep his campaign promises by leading the fight to reinstate the assault weapons ban and close the gun show loophole. The American people heard his assurances of support for sensible gun laws and relied on them when voting. Now is the time for President Bush to show the leadership necessary to pass these much-needed public safety measures.



Michael D. Barnes, President
Brady Campaign
http://www.bradycampaign.com/

 

[Dbl0Kevin]

I just saw that and couldn't stop laughing. They will never stop spinning anything they can to make it look like they're getting anywhere. They could have an election where 99 out of 100 of the candidates lost and would still claim "victory" on the basis of the 1 hard fought election in California or something.

 

[Thumper]

This is hilarious!!!! Look at this editorial from THAT SAME WEBSITE from two weeks before!


A STRONG LEADER?
NOT WHEN IT COMES TO ASSAULT WEAPONS


President Bush Can't Explain Why He Turned His Back on Law Enforcement
For Immediate Release:
10-14-2004 Contact Communications:
(202) 898-0792

See Him Literally Turn His Back On The American People In Our New Ad:

www.BradyCampaign.org


On the campaign trail, President Bush continues to claim that he is a strong leader. But last night's debate revealed his lack of leadership on a vital homeland security issue - renewing the assault weapons ban.

In last night's debate, President Bush said: "At home, we'll do everything we can to protect the homeland."

But that statement simply does not square with his failure to renew the Assault Weapons Ban. Prior to the expiration of the law on September 13th, law enforcement organizations and officers from across the country pleaded with him to renew the law.

Instead of pushing the Republican-controlled Congress to act, as he's done on many issues, President Bush did nothing.

And in last night's debate, President Bush tried to blame Congress:

"Actually, I made my intentions - made my views clear. I did think we ought to extend the assault weapons ban, and was told the fact that the bill was never going to move, because Republicans and Democrats were against the assault weapon ban, people of both parties."

Once again, that statement does not square with the facts. Earlier this year, The Hill newspaper wrote, "an aide to House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) has said privately that if Bush pushes for it, the ban will probably be reauthorized." In March of this year, an amendment to renew the ban passed the Senate with bipartisan support.

Michael Barnes, President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence United with the Million Mom March said, "President Bush can try to shift blame, but his record on assault weapons is clear; he turned his back on law enforcement and made it easier for terrorists and criminals to get military-style weapons."

http://www.bradycampaign.org/press/release.php?release=602

 

[Dbl0Kevin]

Isn't it so great watching them squirm after those 8 years of Clinton where we were squirming? hahahahhaah

 

[Harry Tuttle]

one should always consider the results of torching bridges...

How co-operative will Bush be with them after their organized effort to defeat him?

if i was Bush, i would schedule a press conference in front of Brady HQ,
tell them to pound sand and anounce National CCW.

"What is good in life? TO CRUSH YOUR ENEMIES, TO DRIVE
THEM BEFORE YOU, AND TO HEAR THE LAMENTATIONS OF THEIR WOMEN"

 

[RangerHAAF]

The next NRA convention will be in Houston next year. I hope that the President will finally give credit where it's due and show up to address us personally. We've kept the faith with him from the beginning and I think it's time for him to stand with us(literally) and drive a stake through the political heart of the anti-gun Brady crowd.

I wonder how they would spin that?

 

[Henry Bowman]

I wouldn't hold my breath (but I hope they are).

 

[RobW]

The Democrats dream: get rid of the national election! The next president will be the winner of the Deomocrat primaries!

B'cause we are all too stupid to see the wonderful "Liberal" world!

Dispicable.

 

[hksw]

Looks like he's pulling a Kerry.

 

[TallPine]

Hey, Michael D. Barnes, why don't you wear some shoes instead of flip-flops?


I don't suppose anyone on the Democrat-AntiGun side has noticed that Kerry lost by 3.5 million votes and the NRA has about 4 million members ...?

Give it up, for crying out loud.

 

[Standing Wolf]

...President Bush avoided being identified with the views of NRA partisans and instead made an appeal to the middle of the political spectrum.

Now you know why I didn't vote for him.

 

[Brian Dale]

Henry Bowman,

I wouldn't hold my breath (but I hope they are).

So that's what made those counties turn blue!