Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Campaigning Against the NRA

by J.R. Holmsted

Democratic front runner, Hillary Clinton, has taken to frequently attacking the National Rifle Association on the campaign trail. She’s called for gun owners to hold them accountable (for what we aren’t sure), and form a new group to “take back the Second Amendment from these extremists.”

With admitted socialist Bernie Sanders in the race, Clinton has few opportunities to tap into his ultra-progressive base. However, his record on guns is more moderate than many of his supporters, leaving an obvious void in his otherwise solidly liberal agenda. Clinton is certainly trying to capitalize by cuddling up to the far left and gun control groups.

Will this work? Can she campaign against the NRA and win? While making an adversary of the NRA may help her in the short term versus Bernie, were she to win the nomination this would likely work against her in the general election. A recent Gallup poll shows that 58% of Americans have a favorable view of the NRA.

FIFTY EIGHT PERCENT.

Very few politicians enjoy favorability ratings that high. In fact, as National Review pointed out today, that number is significantly higher than both Hillary Clinton’s and Barack Obama’s.



So while calling the NRA your enemy may get some whistles and cheers at a Democratic debate, Clinton should take caution declaring war on such a powerful organization carrying the approval of nearly 3/5 of the nation.

No comments:

Post a Comment