May 16, 2008 2:45 PM
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Obama Is Target of GOP Jabs at NRA Meeting
From CBS News' Jamie Farnsworth:
Just as Barack Obama was calling President Bush and John McCain "dishonest" and "divisive" after they suggested yesterday Obama would appease terrorists, he was broadsided again, this time on the issue of gun control.
At the 137th Annual National Rifle Association Leadership Forum Meeting, in Louisville, Ky., Karl Rove was the first to go after Obama.
"You know in the age of Barack Obama I don't know exactly what to call you, because after all, as he said, because we're bitter and economically anxious, we 'cling to our guns and we cling to our faith.' Does that make us clingers or cling-ons?" said Rove, laughing, referring to comments Obama made last month at a San Francisco fund-raiser.
Rove continued to harp on Obama's "bitter" gaffe saying, "You probably thought you hunted because you enjoyed the outdoors and companionship with family and friends." He also blamed Obama's losses in Pennsylvania and West Virginia for his "dismissive" stance on gun owners and hunters.
Rove also attacked Obama's voting record on concealed weapons and legislation concerning gun sale proximity to schools and parks. He said it was not the place of the government to "pick and choose" which rights to deny and allow its citizens. He went further by saying "We believe in the wisdom of the founders even more than the wisdom of a liberal senator from the south side of Chicago."
He wrapped up his remarks, calling for voters to "do all you can to shape the outcome of this election to stand for our values and against those who would belittle them."
Rove wasn't the only speaker to take aim at Obama. Mike Huckabee, speaking later in the program, was interrupted by a loud noise. "That was Barack Obama," he said. "He just tripped off a chair. He was getting ready to speak and someone pointed a gun at him and he dove for the floor." Click here for video of Huckabee's remark.
McCain, who's scheduled to speak at 4:30pm ET, is expected to take aim at Obama as well.
Earlier in the day, at a town hall meeting in Watertown, S.D., Obama said he supports the Second Amendment.
"I want to be absolutely clear about this – I will never take away the right of lawful gun owners to hunt and sport shooting, to protect their family. I recognize this is a traditional way of life in rural communities all across America, including my home state," said Obama. "I believe in the Second Amendment."
CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic contributed to this report.
Just as Barack Obama was calling President Bush and John McCain "dishonest" and "divisive" after they suggested yesterday Obama would appease terrorists, he was broadsided again, this time on the issue of gun control.
At the 137th Annual National Rifle Association Leadership Forum Meeting, in Louisville, Ky., Karl Rove was the first to go after Obama.
"You know in the age of Barack Obama I don't know exactly what to call you, because after all, as he said, because we're bitter and economically anxious, we 'cling to our guns and we cling to our faith.' Does that make us clingers or cling-ons?" said Rove, laughing, referring to comments Obama made last month at a San Francisco fund-raiser.
Rove continued to harp on Obama's "bitter" gaffe saying, "You probably thought you hunted because you enjoyed the outdoors and companionship with family and friends." He also blamed Obama's losses in Pennsylvania and West Virginia for his "dismissive" stance on gun owners and hunters.
Rove also attacked Obama's voting record on concealed weapons and legislation concerning gun sale proximity to schools and parks. He said it was not the place of the government to "pick and choose" which rights to deny and allow its citizens. He went further by saying "We believe in the wisdom of the founders even more than the wisdom of a liberal senator from the south side of Chicago."
He wrapped up his remarks, calling for voters to "do all you can to shape the outcome of this election to stand for our values and against those who would belittle them."
Rove wasn't the only speaker to take aim at Obama. Mike Huckabee, speaking later in the program, was interrupted by a loud noise. "That was Barack Obama," he said. "He just tripped off a chair. He was getting ready to speak and someone pointed a gun at him and he dove for the floor." Click here for video of Huckabee's remark.
McCain, who's scheduled to speak at 4:30pm ET, is expected to take aim at Obama as well.
Earlier in the day, at a town hall meeting in Watertown, S.D., Obama said he supports the Second Amendment.
"I want to be absolutely clear about this – I will never take away the right of lawful gun owners to hunt and sport shooting, to protect their family. I recognize this is a traditional way of life in rural communities all across America, including my home state," said Obama. "I believe in the Second Amendment."
CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic contributed to this report.
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