Friday, September 10, 2004
New ammunition for Kerry (Guardian)
The lapse of the popular assault weapons ban is a timely tool for Kerry, says Philip James. If only he would use it
Just as John Kerry's prospects for victory appear to be dimming, along comes an issue that could catapult him back into this race, if only he would seize on it.
The assault weapons ban - the landmark bill signed into law by Bill Clinton that took dangerous automatic weapons off US streets - is set to sunset next week. The Republican-led Congress is going to let it lapse and President Bush - who said he was in favour of the ban in 2000 - has kept silent, in deference to the National Rifle Association, whose endorsement he wants.
This is a made-to-measure opportunity for Kerry to reassert himself around a popular wedge issue. The assault weapons ban is widely credited as one of the reasons violent crime rates took a dive in the 90s and is supported by two thirds of voters.
Kerry should do three things at once. Firstly, he should lay down a clear challenge to Bush, who, while saying he supports the ban, has made it clear he will not lift a finger to persuade congress to reconsider. "Join me in calling for an extension of the ban," he should declare, then jump on the President's vacillations, force him to clarify his position and conclude: "Now who's the flip flopper?"
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The lapse of the popular assault weapons ban is a timely tool for Kerry, says Philip James. If only he would use it
Just as John Kerry's prospects for victory appear to be dimming, along comes an issue that could catapult him back into this race, if only he would seize on it.
The assault weapons ban - the landmark bill signed into law by Bill Clinton that took dangerous automatic weapons off US streets - is set to sunset next week. The Republican-led Congress is going to let it lapse and President Bush - who said he was in favour of the ban in 2000 - has kept silent, in deference to the National Rifle Association, whose endorsement he wants.
This is a made-to-measure opportunity for Kerry to reassert himself around a popular wedge issue. The assault weapons ban is widely credited as one of the reasons violent crime rates took a dive in the 90s and is supported by two thirds of voters.
Kerry should do three things at once. Firstly, he should lay down a clear challenge to Bush, who, while saying he supports the ban, has made it clear he will not lift a finger to persuade congress to reconsider. "Join me in calling for an extension of the ban," he should declare, then jump on the President's vacillations, force him to clarify his position and conclude: "Now who's the flip flopper?"
more
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