By Gerard Valentino
There is a great deal of angst in the pro-gun movement over the impending ascendancy of anti-gun politicians to the presidency. All three current presidential contenders have serious black marks on their gun resume.
Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have long-standing ties to the anti-gun movement and want to reinstate the expired ban on semi-automatic rifles. Clinton has often listed her husband’s 1994 assault weapons ban as one of “their” greatest legacies. McCain has for years crusaded to close the mythical gun show loophole and has tried unsuccessfully to ban gun shows completely.
Anti-gun organizations like the Brady gang are quick to point out that the stained pedigree of the three presidential contenders is proof the anti-gun movement is about to rise again. But as usual, the anti-gun con-men are misreading the tea leaves.