Is gun control the reason Democrats keep losing?

Question

I know that the Right to Keep and Bear Arms is my most cherished privilege and the one defining test I use to determine whether I will vote for a candidate (indeed an entire political party).

If Gore lost in 2000 by a few hundred votes in Florida, could it be that the Florida gun crowd is what tipped the balance in his disfavor? Certainly, they must have amounted to more than a few hundred votes, and surely most of them voted against him.

In this next election, which I predict will be very close, could Hillary lose by a slim margin because of her gun control stance?

Is it worth it to you Dem's to lose over this one issue?

I say, that if the Dem's want us to sacrifice for universal healthcare, they're going to have to sacrifice something themselves and allow us to keep our freedoms. Because, there are more than a few of us (myself included) who vote straight Republican ticket ONLY because of our desire to preserve our 2nd Amendment freedoms.

Thoughts?

When I say "keep losing", I'm mostly referring to the presidency, not so much the Congress. Although a few Dem's did get unseated right after they pushed through the Assault Weapons ban in the early 1990's.

As far as the "militia" phrasing in the 2nd Amendment goes, that is viewed as an independent, but supportive clause, meaning that it takes a militia to challenge tyrrany, and that is justification enough for folks to have arms. Remember, if you view the 2nd Amendment as only arming the National Guard, then it has zero purpose and would not be part of the "Bill of Rights".

By the way, I belong to no militia. And Clinton outlawed the very militias the Dem's state the right applies to.

Answer 1

Hardly. And how did you come to the conclusion the d-crats
keep losing?

Answer 2

First of all Democrats haven't kept losing... The NRA, and the Republican party got spanked less than a year ago, and the Democratic stance on Gun Control remains the same.

Secondly (and with complete respect) for every voter like yourself, there is also a voter out there who will vote a straight Democratic ticket because their son/daughter/friend/spouse was shot and killed by a guy who bought one of those Assualt Weapons that are so important to you. There are large voter blocks on both sides of this issue, and it is just as likely that the next Republican presidential candidate will lose the election because of his stance on this issue.

Thirdly, I'm obviously a Democrat, and my opinion on this issue is in line with the majority of people in my party. We don't want to take your shotguns, or your rifles, or your pistols, or revolvers... really we don't. We want to make it illegal for someone to walk into a store and buy a weapon designed to fire 100 bullets in 2 seconds.

Finally, If we give in on this issue (Assault Weapons Ban) for Healthcare the NRA will be lobbying a week later for your right to own a tank, or a new gun that fires Nuclear Bombs because of your precious 2nd Amendment right. You should vote Democrat in the next election... because when we're done on this issue you will still have your guns, and the streets will be safer for your children.

Answer 3

I'm support the Second Amendment 1000%. I will not vote for any candidate wanting to take that right away. I'm currently leaning toward voting on the New American Independent ticket in November 2008. I myself am applying to run for President in 2008 myself. We need an American Indian in the White House.

Answer 4

The state of Florida is a military state lots of Naval Bases the military vote that the Dem's tried to block more than likely made the difference. Let's face it the Dem's are anti- military look what they did yesterday.

Answer 5

Causation is not the same thing as Correlation.

It's impossible to use hindsight and look back at electoral results and say X caused this candidate to win or lose. There are just too many factors involved.

And when you say keep losing? We've had 2 straight Republican wins, preceded by 2 straight Democratic wins. Keep losing?

Answer 6

I am a Democrat who supports ALL of the Bill of Rights, not just the parts that are convenient for one party of another. The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is in that position, #2, because of its importance.

For those who favor gun control, send me your address. I'll be happy to mail you a "No Guns In This House" sticker for your mailbox or front door. That way the predators will know which home to invade with worrying about getting hurt.

http://www.hendrixcampaign.com

Answer 7

Keep losing? We wiped the floor with you lot in 2006 and are looking pretty good to do it again in 2008 (close - yeah keep kidding yourselves - your lot said they weren't going to lose in 2006 remember - good to see you have not learnt anything from that)
While letting rednecks shoot each other is tempting we know what is right and won't sell it out for a few votes. If being allowed to be a card carrying confirmed gun nut is more important to you than the future of the country then that is your choice and you should not sell out either.

Answer 8

It is definately a one reason. BUT it is not your "most cherished privilege".. it is your "most cherished right"

The second amendment is the last resort right to uphold the other nine.

It is sad that the National Dem party has moved so far left and assume that San Fransisco Dem attitudes are the same as Waycross Ga. Democrats. That is the divide in their party.

Answer 9

This has nothing to do with this question..you answered a question from Forgottensoulsoftheworld and I would really like to talk with you about it....I am interested in the things you said need to change about felons and this country..please email me @ [e-mail]

Answer 10

Which militia do you belong to in your right to bear arms?
Wording is "the right to bear arms and form a militia". This was to prevent the government from being more powerful than the citizens of the country.
Dems took most of the races in 2006, so the argument you make is not true for the latest election.

Answer 11

mainly, i think the reason democrats keep loosing is that its out of touch with its core base. while the GOP is able to maintain its core base, the evangelicals and southern states, the Democrats often tries to move to the middle of the political spectrum, thus alienating the core democrat base. while its good to try and lure the center voters, democrats shouldn't loose sight of its core voters and core issues. Hopefully this coming elections will stem the tide and put another democrat in the office, particularly a woman! :)