Barack Obama gets a blunt question about guns

Barack Obama wanted to talk about the economy today as he campaigned in Pennsylvania, especially in light of the new government report showing unemployment increasing to 6.1% in August.

But gun rights, it appears, is an issue Obama can’t avoid in the Keystone State.

It was an issue that plagued him in his primary battle there with Hillary Clinton because of his comment about "bitter" small-town Americans clinging to guns and other things.

And campaigning today near Scranton (this campaign's "in" city), the Democrat was asked whether -- as some foes keep insisting -- he would take guns away if elected president.

The Times' Noam Levey was on the scene at a factory in Duryea, and he reports that Obama fiercely denied any such intention, and then explained his position:

This has been peddled again and again. Here’s what I believe: that the 2nd Amendment is an individual right and it means something -- that people have a right to bear arms.

What I also believe is that there is nothing wrong with some common sense gun safety measures. For example, that we should have strong background checks to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, to keep them out of the hands of the mentally disabled. We should have mechanisms to trace guns that are used in crimes back to the gun dealers that sold them to shut down supplies of illegal guns.

That kind of thing is common sense, and it has nothing to do with the guy who has got his rifle and wants to go hunting.”

But Obama had some choice words for the National Rifle Assn., which has been hammering him for months in its publications and plans a major ad campaign opposing him this fall:

Their general attitude is ... if you even breathe the word gun control or gun safety, then you must want to take away everybody’s guns. Well, that’s just not true.

But what we have to understand is that there are two realities about guns in this country. There’s the reality of people who are lawfully and safely using guns for hunting and skeet shooting and protecting their families. And you’ve got illegal handguns being dumped in Philadelphia, in the hands of teenage gang-bangers and drug dealers who are wreaking havoc and killing people. And surely we can come up with a system that protects lawful gun owners but at the same time tries to do something about kids getting shot.

Many have thought so in the past. But so far, as Obama well knows, that's proved a difficult challenge.

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[Guns kill people better.]

If Republicans want guns, they are readily available in Iraq. Our involvement there is a Republican creation so they should feel right at home. Go to it right winged psychos.

[anonymous]

Once again, Obama looks at the big picture and comes up with a strategy that makes *sense*

The people beating this to death are so myopic! I think the NRA opposes Obama because they see their lobbyist power is in some serious danger.

[The Heckler]

I think it should be noted the Obama said "Small-town Americans cling to their guns and god." Not "somethings."

[sam]

These kind of responses from Obama is exactly why i SUPPORT him 100%. Politicians dont always have to be witty or fake, and get the crowd to start chanting USA USA. I like the fact that hes sensible and logical and his responses show that. The right will keep attacking him no matter what he says, becuase they only want things their way, even though thier way is getting us in deep you know what. Lets hope that he can mantain is stance on the issues and more importantly maintain his composure over the series of debates as the right continues to use propaganda to throw him off balance.

[beevee]

Why is the NRA so afraid of having some sort of control on gun sale to prevent selling them to wrong people and endangering people's lives.Have we forgotten Virginia Tech massacre? The NRA seems to be concerned about not being able to sell guns legally than they are about people's lives. I think Obama has more vision.

[Curly]

The best gun control happens when the criminals understand that using a gun (or) a weapon in a crime will cost them dearly. It is almost to the point if a person is cought with an unregestered weapon in an area where regestered is required eventhough the person has no criminal record and is not commiting a crime will get a stiffer sentence than one who uses it to commit a crime.

You will also find where more guns are in the hands of citizens that crime goes down.

The problem is morality has declined and the wouldbe criminals have that they can get something without working for it!!!!

[Palinontology]

I think the gun issue has been cleared up by the latest Supreme Court Ruling about Washington D.C.'s ban. The ban is illegal and unconstitutional. This means only one thing, an amendment to the constitution would be required to outlaw ownership of a gun.

So gun owners (and yes, I am one who ones a glock 40, Walther PPK, and a Deer Hunting rifle) we need to get past this issue and ask who is going to keep our jobs here? Who is going to strengthen the dollar, wipe out the trillions of dollars left by Bush over the last 8 years that my grandchildren are expected to pay off. Who will make certain that HMO's and insurance companies keep overruling my doctor despite the almost $500 a month I pay for coverage?

That's what I want from the next president.

[Sydney]

I have a feeling the repubs, having nothing to run on, will push the gun issue, issues about sexism (but only superficially), family, etc. to get all those voters out there who love the reality tv show aspect of electing someone and will vote for them because of it. Sad. But that's what this country has become - and most of it is because the repubs want it that way - lack of education can breed ignorant, racist, bigoted people and that's who the repubs appeal to. If Obama doesn't win this time around I think that shows the world how sick this country really is.

[TF]

Obama Quote: "We should have mechanisms to trace guns that are used in crimes back to the gun dealers that sold them to shut down supplies of illegal guns."

Looks like Obama needs a refresher course on the rules already in place:

"When you buy a gun from an FFL dealer, the dealer has a very specific set of rules and regulations he must follow. The federal paperwork requirements are very stringent and allow the dealer very little discretion. You will need to show photo ID and fill out a Form 4473. The dealer must keep this form on file at the business for just about forever, and show it to the BATFE upon request. If the FFL later goes out of business, the BATFE will take possession of all the 4473 Forms on the premises.

If you are purchasing a handgun, the FFL will call in your personal information to a federal clearinghouse called the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). After giving information about the purchase to the NICS, the dealer will receive one of three possible answers from NICS: an approval, a delay, or a deny. If the sale is approved, the FFL dealer is given an authorization code which he will note on your paperwork. Delays happen for a variety of reasons which may not be immediately obvious to the buyer. Delays do not always result in a denial, so if your purchase is delayed, don't despair. The dealer will tell you when you can come back to finish processing your paperwork. A denial means something has gone badly wrong somewhere. If your sale is denied, you will want to find out the reason for it and, if justified, fight to appeal the denial."

Good luck on shutting down illegal suppliers because they are just that, illegal, and they will not now or in the future follow any law passed. Obama is blowing smoke to pander to the masses as usual. Again we see how much substance or experience he actually has.

[jm@RT]

Hey TF...name one republican that isn't constantly blowing smoke...it's the only way the Conservatives survive. It's funny how even though Media ownership is more consolidated, people are still of the perspective that it has a liberal bias. The press is now a machine of the right-wingers...it is apparent after this weeks events and the lack of coverage of the O'bama campaign in reaction to RNC. Guns and Faith are wedge issues and many are failing to protect there true interests as a result...and that is what O'bama meant by his famous "clinging" comment. I think if we all open our eyes we will realize that we are seeing the world through a conservative media lens...even the most moderate among us. We have absolutely no Social values anymore and the media is playing a strong part in destroying any chance we have to find a middle road.

[TF]

jm@RT,

You made the point exactly. Just like Obama, you attack and speak out of ignorance. You didn't address the topic of the article and are just as quilty as Obama of speaking in direct contrast to the facts. I listed the facts, both you and Obama choose to ignore.

Oh ya, I really don't think I need you to explain Obama's clinging comment. I think the voters will do that in November.

And that middle road you want, does that mean killing only half the unborn children? Better look at your social values.

[Trey]

I intend to have the option of shooting back in as many situations as possible. Look at Columbine and VT. If you had been in one of those situations, would you rather have "hidden" under your desk as so many students did, or have been shooting back, or at least hoping you teacher was armed? Enough said? Enough said.

[bubba]

yobamma already made it clear he thought that people shouldnt have guns..of course this was early in his campaign , now that the supreme court said it is OK and redefined the law he changed his mind.. again.... so what is new with this...no surprise this guy flip flops more than a cheap hamburger at whitcastle....

[Graz]

Why not just repeat talking point, TF, instead of finding out the truth? What kind of cockimamy Fox News comment is the unborn baby killer deal?

I own firearms and always have, but I also know that there are loop holes in some of the laws that are allowing people that have no business owning a firearm to come into possesion of them. Just one of them is the many states that had no restrictions in place to stop the sale to person that have a history of commitment for mental health issues. A gun is a useful tool in the correct hands.

[Al fom Ohio]

Just stumbled on to this conversation. it amazes me that people can actually swallow the Obama kool-ade so easily. It's interesting that no matter how many specifics the Republican ticket provides, Obama can get on TV and say, "they don't have specifics". He gets a pass, nobody questions it, nobody points out that there are very specific plans in the platform. Likewise, when the Republicans criticize the official Democrat specific platform positions, they are characterized as "bigoted attacks". Wake up people, this is Marxism taking over our country. I am scared.

Also, for the record, when Dem idiots say "McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time", keep in mind that, at least until the Obamassiah takes power, the Prez doesn't get a vote. Also, Obama voted "with Bush" 80% of the time.

I am an Atheist, pro-choice, conservative supporter of the Constitution. Period. Read it, it's a great document. Then compare the two sides and see which one more reflects the original content and intent of the Constitution, and which one is more akin to the 10 planks of Communism.

Don't take my word for it, look it up...

[TF]

Hey Graz,

Love the generalities. Lots of states... great argument. Almost as good as "Well I thought it was a good idea, but looking back, I have regrets" AKA O-Blah-Ma

[Larry]

Yikes, abortion is just a talking point to you, Graz? God help you!

[Gerald]

"So gun owners (and yes, I am one who ones a glock 40, Walther PPK, and a Deer Hunting rifle)"

Your Glock and Walther are still illegal in DC, despite the Heller verdict and your hunting rifle would have to be disassembled and locked up.

"we need to get past this issue and ask who is going to keep our jobs here? Who is going to strengthen the dollar, wipe out the trillions of dollars left by Bush over the last 8 years that my grandchildren are expected to pay off."

You will definitely need your job and money when Obama taxes ammunition 500%. Those of us who use our guns see Obama as a lose-lose situation.

[joe]

You just don't get it. We have gun laws and background checks in place already. We need to enforce existing laws. We need to keep criminals locked up, we need punishment for them not rehabilitation. This will have an effect on crime, not more useless gun laws that only affect the law abiding citizen(i.e. me).

[Chris K]

Obama believes in 'black liberation theology' and the way to give reparations to blacks is by playing Robin Hood with tax and social programs instead of outright cash reparations. Throw in a little marxism and class warfare, and you've got him nailed.
Why would any thinking American vote for Him?
He was in Jeremiah Wright's church for 20yrs, friends with home-grown terrorist and SDS member William Ayers.
Why would any thinking American vote for Him?
The other guy is a son and grandson of four- star admirals, graduate of the Naval Academy, a retired Lt Commander USN, congressman and senator.
Does that make sense? To me it's that simple.
Obama doesn't say he wants to change Washington politics, etc. He says "I want to change America". That is scary.
He must not really like this country the way it is.
I want to change his ass right out of here.

[Rosetee]

Politicians are good at hiding their true feelings but sometimes they blurt out. "Clinging" was one of those moments.. He is now trying to explain it, in other words trying to fool people.

[Nick]

To everyone who thinks that John McCain is qualified to be a POTUS because he was a POW, or his father and grandfather served in the Navy, need to get a reality check.

If anything, his extreme views on war, military, and conflict-- scare the hell out of me because he is a shoot first, ask questions later kind of guy.

World War 3 is an inevitable reality if John McCain is our president-- and WW3 will end in a nuclear battle. It's sad.

Oh-- not to mention, John McCain is 72 years old, is showing signs of Alzheimer's, Dementia, and I have read reports that he also suffers from PTSD which is why he has violent outbursts from time to time-- McCain will likely die in office if elected, making Sarah Palin (who is questionable herself) the most powerful person on earth-- all after being the mayor of 9,000 people, and governing the 47th most populous state in the union-- SCARY THOUGHT

[stan]

Haven't seen that Obama proposes much in the way of new gun laws, just defends existing ones. Hardly radical stuff, folks.

[smokey]

Talk about drinking the kool-aid. This country has been sipping it for the last 8 years!!! Put that glass down and open those glazed over eyes!!!! A candidate with connections to the drink mixer and a women who is out of her mind when it comes to issues like education, the economy and your rights!!! Sexist? I 'm embarrassed for my gender everytime she opens her mouth!!!

[SDS]

Got this off WSJ.com

What he is really saying is:
“You can keep your single shot shotgun or small caliber rifle as long as you are fingerprinted, have your gun registered, have your gun ballistically identified, pay a yearly fee, have no record of anything that would make you unstable or criminal in his opinion, and only use it in certain places that he approves and transports it to those places in a way he approves, and will agree to have him inspect it and take it away later if he thinks it is necessary for someones safety.”
Just a few ‘reasonable’ restrictions.. that’s all

[PolicyPlease!]

@ Chris K

The things you bring up have little to no relevence allow me to easily break them down:

1. "Obama believes in 'black liberation theology' and the way to give reparations to blacks is by playing Robin Hood with tax and social programs instead of outright cash reparations." - That is your ignorant assessment of his tax policy which is meant to help the middle class and poor citizens to help boost the economy. You seem to confuse 'blacks' with people of low income. Understandable, unfortunately, but wrong.

2. "He was in Jeremiah Wright's church for 20yrs, friends with home-grown terrorist and SDS member William Ayers." - These not issues of government. Look at his policies, not people he was friends with when he was a child in Chicago or his reverend (who has done way more for common people than most politicians)

3. "The other guy is a son and grandson of four- star admirals, graduate of the Naval Academy, a retired Lt Commander USN..." - None of these things make him qualified for any government position, it doesn't even give him foreign policy experience. His military career and performance as a student were poor at best. The issue of P.O.W. is nice, but again qualifies him for nothing but not dieing when he's being tortured.

4. He says "I want to change America". That is scary.
He must not really like this country the way it is. - If you can't understand where you're wrong here then THAT is scary.

[Tom]

Was Noam Levey asleep during some of Obama's remarks? I see he missed the part where Obama said he didn't have the votes in congress to take away citizens guns. Obama's denial is less "fierce" when you get the whole story.

Also, I'm sure Obama and his comrads would want to take guns away from people they sees as "bitter"?

[Christopher J Hoffman]

He's is lying. Obama's idea of reasonable restrictions include supporting the DC gun ban which he called "constitutional".

After the Heller decision, Obama inexplicably said he supported the SCOTUS decision, and has never so much as attempted to reconcile the two diametrically opposed positions.

His record is 100% anti-gun, anti-self defense, and he's against licensed open or concealed carry of firearms by lawful citizens (you know, the 'bear' part of 'keep and bear'). Anti gun legislation is about the only law he actually signed, usually opting for voting 'present'.

39 states have in place a shall-issue policy regarding concealed carry licenses. 4 more have some form of licensing available to citizens.

These screened, trained and licensed folks have a fantastic safety record, and licenses revoked for any reason number less than 1/10th of a percent.

Obama is heavily funded by the Violence Policy Center, formerly Handgun Control Inc., AKA the Brady bunch.

Don't believe Obama's lips-service on this issue. He hates guns, especially in the hands of citizens, no matter HOW qualified, trained or law-abiding.

His "reversal" on the Second Amendment issue would be laughable if not so cynical. For all his apparent good qualities and ideas, if not actual accomplishments, he is absolutely lying about this issue.

[don]

Al from Ohio: If indeed you're an "atheist' and "pro-choice", you must not care very much about them. Not if you're so hell-bent on attacking Obama and supporting the GOP. Or, shall I say, the McCain/Palin ticket which is explicitly opposed to both "atheism" and "choice". But perhaps you
wouldn't mind having Creationism in the classroom as an
"valid alternative theory" to Evolution? Or packing school boards with Creationists that wlll push subjects like geology, paleontology, microbiology from classroom schoolbooks.
And, oh yes, let's have some Approved Christian Prayers in school too. Not to mention abstinence only sex education. In short, check out the personal positions of the Fundamentalist Trojan Horse that is Sara Palin. Then ask yourself if your opposition to Obama squares with "atheist" (which Obama isn't) and "pro-choice'". Otherwise, why did you even bother mentioning them?

[American whiner]

As I read these comments, I'm noticing how angry, uncivil, and disrespectful the right-wing entries are. To my ear, they sound like an angry, zealous mob. If Obama does not win, after eight years of an illegal war and a calculated assault on working people, then America has truly and forever, lost its way. We will have earned our bad reputation in the world community. The working class who vote for McCain and Palin will have succumbed to that tempting apple the snake holds out for them to bite.

[Wes]

The Wall Street Journal account contains a verbatim account of Mr. Obama's comments, and they vary greatly from the account here.

The crowd in Scranton was rightly skeptical of BHO, given his track record.

This man cannot seem to give simple answers to simple questions--and this is not a quality that inspires the trust needed for leadership.

When Florida instituted concealed-carry laws, with widespread participation, gun violence DROPPED, ladies and gentlemen. When Virginia instituted a policy that put violent gun felons behind bars for long periods of time, gun violence DROPPED.

So, why does BHO insist on dancing around this question, and so many others? He just seems incapable of telling the truth, or indicating he believes in the very idea of truth.

It's tragic, because he is so talented, so charismatic, and has so misused those gifts.

[Jered]

"He must not really like this country the way it is."

I certainly hope so. I don't like the way this country is right now! Have you traveled outside the United States any time recently? I'm guessing you haven't, because if you would have you would realize how much we are being left behind. Another 4 years of Bush's policies will turn us into a second-rate nation, another 8 years -- a third rate nation.

[Joe]

I fear Obama will change his position on guns back to his anti-gun positions of the past if he is elected. He may not maintain the position when he is in Detroit or Philadelphia campaigning next.

Obama spent a few years in Chicago as a community organizer and in the state legislature. He understands Chicago has passed gun ban laws. Does he really think they work with the criminal element of society? How does he explain that more people died in Chicago in gun related deaths than US Soldiers in Baghdad this past summer? Look it up if you doubt the statement.

The guns used in crimes in Chicago and anywhere else they are banned, are not purchased by the person committing the crime at legitimate gun stores. They don’t do the background check thing like the rest of we law abiding gun owners. I support the repeal of gun ban laws and the enactment of stand your ground/castle doctrine laws. Allow law abiding people the God given right of self defense, including the ownership and use of a gun to do so, if needed. Put the criminals in prison and keep them there for the full term.

I wonder if Obama would agree with that?

[Will Becker]

Barak Hussein Obama does want to take our guns,no matter what he says. He thinks we're fools,and don't know about his voting record allways against law abiding gun owners.Don't be misled by this phony.

[annon]

How stupid can you be? I don't care what he says, Look at his record. in the Illinois senate He opposed legalizing a father from protecting his children in his own home. he opposes right to carry laws that have save thousands of lives. He will do everything in his power to destroy the second amendment.

[Anton]

The GOP has picked Lucas McCain ("The Rifleman") and Annie Oakley (from Walla Walla Alaska). What does that say about the GOP? They are so out of touch! The number of homicides in New York City, for example, fell by more than 90% in the last ten years. Violent crime is down everywhere. And Charleton Heston is dead. Why does the GOP want to stick by 20th century standards of supporting the NRA? Or perhaps 19th century values--shoot-em-up! The RIfleman! Annie Oakley! Shooting bears? Get with the current century, Republicans!

[B Bateman]

Ted Kennedy's car has killed more people than my gun has. bb

[TriciaNC]

Some crediblity. I am so sick and angry of media giving to us whatever they think they need to to help their candidate of choice, which in this case for this media is Barack Obama.

Tell the truth...the whole truth. How about the fact that he voted for banning guns in IL even for home protection. Additionally, when a resident used one to protect themselves, in their own home, he rallied to prosecute them.

Here is Obama's latest ramble on guns. Your story oddly left off Obama's aside about Congress.

Here's the exact quote on the reality in the Congress:

“Even if I want to take them away, I don’t have the votes in Congress."

Again, some right when all it takes to remove anyone's gun is a statute.

It was classic Obama: He said next to nothing at great length but tried very hard to make it sound deeply thoughtful when it was in fact nonsense.

[Dan Mack]

Truth of O'Bama plans to obliterate Second Amendment:
www.gunbanobama.com www.nraila.org/obama
Strong Majority of Voters Disagree With Barack Obama on Second Amendment and Self Defense Issues:
www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/09-02-2008/0004877182&EDATE=

[Shawn]

Mr. Frederick you are no reporter. You are a biased, political operative. Why else would you deliberately leave out what BHO said that shows what he really means: "Even if I want to take them away, I don’t have the votes in Congress."

[wingshooter]

name says it all...i hunt, i own guns and you can take them when you pry them out of my cold dead hand. criminals will always have guns...ask the swiss...every home has a state supplied weapon and the crime rate is the lowest in the world. argue with that....

[Steve]

Once again Obama lies. He has a long-standing record supporting the far-left gun control agenda. Check his record, don't listen to what he says now. Now that he's in a close race and realizes he has to appeal to the entire country, he's "reshaping" himself as a moderate. His comment about going back to gun dealers who sell weapons is the insidious first step in controlling sales. Would we try to punish a car dealer who sells a car to a drunk driver??? Of course not, so his "common sense" approach goes way beyond "common sense". I hope Americans are smart enough to see thru his lies and realize he is not representative of all of America, just the far (far, far) left. Obama, change we can be deceived in.

[Bob R]

The following is a reaction from someone who has a concealed carry permit for my firearm. Thats something Obama is AGAINST!

I have the RIGHT to protect myself and my family. I believe I will never have to use my gun but I feel much safer when traveling. Keep in mind because I passed a background check before receiving my permit I am one of the "good guys"! No amount of gun control will control crime or affect how criminals think. They don't pay attention to the law.

Here is something you might want to check out. It's a report on how the LACK of a firearm shattered a family.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&node=&contentId=A59368-2000May12&notFound=true

Here is are 2 reports on how a firearm saved potential victims.
http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=90433
http://www.wnep.com/Global/story.asp?S=8913840

and we all know that history does repeat itself:
http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20080308/NEWS/803080301/1044/OPINION

After that check out these sites:
http://home.pacbell.net/dragon13/reasons2own.html

http://johnrlott.blogspot.com/

[Frank]

Gun rights are not only to hunt , protect our homes, but according to all the fathers of this country including Thomas Jefferson who said: "The right to bear arms is so the government will never be able to mount a militia strong enough to overthrow the populace." There was no question to the framers of our constitution what the second amendment was for, only to the current Liberals in this country.

[Brad]

Maybe gun owners and republicans are against Obama b/c he doesn't just want common sense gun laws, that's why he's voted to ban semi-automatic guns, like that's going to deter criminals from using them. Lets say he does ban semi-automatic guns or assault-type rifles, is that going to stop criminals from using a lever action, revolver or bolt action gun??? no. Since when do criminals follow the law?? They don't. So why enact more gun laws. When criminals start following the law then enact more gun control laws, until then it just inhibits the ability of law abiding citizens to acquire a gun. He says he's for common sense gun control but his voting record goes way past that and does any of the gun control laws he's passed in Illinois when he was Senator or on city council of Chicago worked?? No. Remember the weekend with like 32 shootings in Chicago, yea gun laws don't work cuz criminals don't follow the law, they'll just steal them or buy them off the streets. You liberals need to wake up and smell the coffee and quit drinking the liberal kool aid, fact is guns are in America and if Obama had his way he'd take them all, except the criminals wouldn't give them up. Where guns are outlawed only outlaws have guns. And yea gun control does work, but not in a positive way for society, just ask the biggest gun control advocates in history, Hitler, Kim Jong-Il, Stalin, Castro. History proves gun control is just a step towards instilling the will of the left to oppress the people and take away their ability to protect their freedom.
Now let's talk about how he voted for the bill that would allow victims of gun violence to sue the firearm company, like Smith & Wesson's intention is to produce guns solely for murderers. Why don't we just sue Ford everytime their car kills someone by a drunk driver. Let's Gerber knives for everytime someone uses one of their hunting knives in a stabbing. Hell, lets sue pharmaceutical companies everytime someone commits suicide by overdosing on their drugs too!!!!

I'm happy to let you all know I bought an AK-47 with hi cap mags just because Obama is going to ban them, yea I don't really need it but I'd rather not need it and have it than need it and not have it.... I also have a concealed carry license to boot.

"Any man who is willing to give up an essential liberty for temporary freedom deserves neither."
- Thomas Jefferson