Over the last few weeks the Democratic candidates have been laying out their proposals for new gun control legislation. The general consensus is that Hillary Clinton has been using gun control as a way to get to the left of Bernie Sanders, a candidate already so far to the left that Ben Carson might need to start looking out. The common refrain from gun control activists is that “90% of Americans want more gun control” and “the NRA doesn’t represent Americans,” and yet a brand new poll from CNN (not exactly the most gun friendly news network out there) shows that in reality the majority of Americans don’t want a single additional law on the books.
Nearly three weeks after the latest mass shooting claimed the lives of nine people, 52% of Americans now oppose stricter gun control laws, 6% more than the 46% of Americans who support such laws. That’s a wider gap than in June when CNN last surveyed Americans on gun control, finding that the public was equally split at 49% on the issue.
The advantage of those opposed to stricter gun control laws over those in favor is outside of the poll’s 3-point margin of error.
As Robert outlined earlier today, gun control polls well with groups that typically vote for Democratic candidates. The strategy might result in a win for Hillary in the primary, but when it comes to the general election these statements are going to come back to haunt her. The majority of Americans do not, in fact, want any additional gun control. And they definitely don’t appreciate being labeled “the enemy” by someone trying to get their vote.