From The Road
September 5, 2008 2:47 PM

Obama: "We're Not Going To Mess With" Americans' Guns

By
Maria Gavrilovic
Topics
Barack Obama
(CBS)
From CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic:

(DURYEA, PA.) It's been almost 6 months since Obama suggested that people cling to guns because they are bitter, a.k.a. "bitter-gate," but he is still plagued by questions about his position on gun control. At a town hall meeting today, a voter told Obama that there are rumors that he is going to take away guns. "People love hunting," the man told Obama.

Obama said he is aware that the issue is being "peddled again and again," but he assured the crowd that he will not take away guns that are legally obtained.

"I believe in the Second Amendment, and if you are a law-abiding gun owner, you have nothing to fear from an Obama administration!"

Obama said his support for gun safety measures – such as background checks- does not mean that he opposes all gun ownership.

"Now, the NRA sometimes... their general attitude is look, we don't want anything, and 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," he said adding that illegal guns are his concern, not those used for sportsmanship.

He also keenly noted that even if he intended to take away guns, he would not have the power to do so as president. "I couldn't get it done. I don't have the votes in Congress."

As he wrapped up his rather lengthy explanation, Obama urged the crowd to look at his policies on the economy and health care rather than gun control.

"This can't be the reason not to vote for me," Obama said, "Because your guns... we're not going to mess with them... spread the word with your friends."

Add a Comment See all 87 Comments
by obungler September 7, 2008 3:58 PM EDT
AGAIN, Obama LIES! Obama has already supported two communities to ban handgun ownership!

You can''t believe a damned word he says!
Reply to this comment
by ariel133 September 7, 2008 11:42 AM EDT
The media have so far focused on uncovering personal faults in Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and her family. As opposed to covering her record in expanding employment opportunities for Alaskans, while delivering energy to the rest of the nation. As mayor of Wasilla, she delivered growth and jobs, as she continued to do governor.



What exactly has Barack Obama done for his constituents when it comes to jobs? Aside from the feckless grants he gave to ineffective programs that failed to improve the education of Chicago public schools students.


The unemployment rate in Chicago is 7.5 % as of August 21st, far above the national average.
What is Obama doing about un-employment in Chicago?



Reply to this comment
by killandgrill September 7, 2008 10:17 AM EDT
For those without the time or energy to research:
%u2022 Do you support state legislation to...ban the manufacture, sale and possession of handguns? Yes. ... Independent Voters of Illinois/Independent Precinct Organization general candidate questionnaire, Sept. 9, 1996
%u2022 Quote: I%u2019m consistently on record and will continue to be on record as opposing concealed carry. ...Chicago Tribune, April 27, 2004
%u2022 Quote: I believe in keeping guns out of our inner cities and that our leaders must say so in the face of the gun manufacturers... Barack Obama, The Audacity of Hope ...2006...

%u2022 Obama voted to ban almost all rifle ammunition commonly used for hunting and sports shooting. ...United States Senate, vote no. 217, S. 397, July 29, 2005...
%u2022 Obama voted to uphold local gun bans and the criminal prosecution of people who use firearms in self-defense. ...Illinois Senate, SB 2165, vote 20, March 25, 2004...
%u2022 In his only two votes on confirming Supreme Court nominees, Obama voted against two of the five justices...Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito...who later affirmed an individual right to keep and bear arms in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller. ...U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes...
Reply to this comment
by blueskypie September 7, 2008 5:59 AM EDT
the last thing Hillary wants is some inexperienced beauty queen telling her what to do. Common sense would tell you Hillary would vote for obama sine she is guaranteed a high cabinet position, or will get appointed to reform healthcare. MCain/bush/Palin will give you a rebate. So if you alrady have insurance you get a tax deduction, that doesn''t help if you cannot afford healthcare to begin with. Palin''s policy is give you a medicine man, he''s the homeless guy sitting on the corner telling you to eat grass. 4 more years of high preminums.
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by blueskypie September 7, 2008 5:51 AM EDT
if obama voted to ban handguns close to schools common sense should tell you that is good, if you want to pack a gun around like a cowboy then more to Pakistan. Geez we really need to stop voting on Guns, Abortion and religion and stick to the real issues, on wait, we always vote on issues that effect the failing economy right??? WRONG...4 more years of talking about guns,hunting, fishing, abortion, and religion.
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by blueskypie September 7, 2008 5:43 AM EDT
Bush/McCain/Palin 4 more years of the same.
Reply to this comment
by semperfi2008 September 6, 2008 11:14 PM EDT
He "won''t mess with them" You just can''t have one. All hunters and sportsmen should be very wary of BHO. Once he is in, it will be tough to get him and his policies out.
Reply to this comment
by blackshaft-2009 September 6, 2008 8:31 PM EDT
News Flash!
Hillary will vote for Mccain and Palin!
Why!


because I shafted her!
...................sign Barrack Hussein Obama
Reply to this comment
by lilvinnyb September 6, 2008 7:24 PM EDT
OBAMA IS AGAIN DODGING HIS RECORD.

1.HE SAID THAT HE FELT THE DC HANDGUN BAN WAS CONSITUTIONAL. THIS WAS A LAW THAT BANNED HANDGUNS FROM ALL LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS.

2. HE SUPPORTED A LAW THAT WOULD HAVE CLOSE ANY GUN STORE WITHIN A 5 MILE RADIUS OF A SCHOOL OR PARK. I CAN''''T THINK OF A SINGLE GUN STORE IN THE STATE OF PA THAT COULD STAY OPEN UNDER THE SAME LAW.
Reply to this comment
by lilvinnyb September 6, 2008 7:20 PM EDT
OBAMA IS AGAIN DODGING HIE RECORD.

1.HE SAID THAT HE FELT THE DC HANDGUN BAN WAS CONSITUTIONAL. THIS WAS A LAW THAT BANNED HANDGUNS FROM LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS.

2. HE SUPPORTED A LAW THAT WOULD HAVE CLOSE ANY GUN STORE WITHIN A 5 MILE RADIUS OF A SCHOOL OR PARK. I CAN''T THINK OF A SINGLE GUN STORE IN THE STATE OF PA THAT COULD STAY OPEN UNDER THE SAME LAW.
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