Another Obama Statement Reaches Its Expiration Date, This One on Guns

This story in National Review describes Barack Obama's latest attempt to deceive the American people on his position on firearms rights. As the Supreme Court readies to release its decision in Heller, Obama wants to disavow an earlier statement of support for the gun ban. But his record is clear, Obama has supported local gun bans in Illinois and his statements now to the contrary cannot be trusted.

In an interview with ABC's Leon Harris on 2/12/2008, Obama acknowledged his support for the D.C. gun ban.

Questioner Leon Harris: "One other issue that's of great importance here in the district as well is gun control. You said in Idaho recently - I'm quoting here - 'I have no intention of taking away folks' guns,' but you support the D.C. handgun ban." Obama: "Right." (Leon Harris and Sen. Barack Obama, Forum Sponsored By ABC And Politico.Com, Washington, DC, 2/12/08)

In the same interview, Obama indicated he feels the D.C. gun ban is constitutional.

Harris: "And you've said that it's constitutional. How can you reconcile those two different positions?" Obama: "Oh, because I think we have two conflicting traditions in this country. I think it is important for us to recognize that we've got a tradition of handgun ownership and gun ownership generally. And a lot of people, law-abiding citizens, use it for hunting, for sportsmanship, and for protecting their families. We also have violence on the streets that is a result of illegal handgun use. And so, there is nothing wrong, I think, with a community saying we are going to take those illegal handguns off the streets..." (Leon Harris and Sen. Barack Obama, Forum Sponsored By ABC And Politico.Com, Washington, DC, 2/12/08)

Read About It: National Review

POSTED: Thursday, June 26, 2008