Hillary Clinton is now regularly pushing gun control issues on the campaign trail—a notable shift for Democrats on the presidential campaign trail in recent cycles. The
Washington Post reports on her embrace of the issue on the stump. But Clinton has long advocated for gun control measures. In 1999, in fact, she took on the NRA by making robocalls against a Missouri ballot measure that would have allowed concealed carrying of handguns. That measure was defeated by voters, thanks in part to her efforts.
Here's Philip Rucker on Clinton today:
For at least the past several decades, Democrats seeking national office have often been timid on the issue of guns for fear of alienating firearms owners. In 2008, after Barack Obama took heat for his gaffe about people who “cling to guns or religion,” he rarely mentioned guns again — neither that year nor in his 2012 reelection campaign.
But in a sign that the political environment on guns has shifted in the wake of recent mass shootings — and of Clinton’s determination to stake out liberal ground in her primary race against insurgent Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) — Clinton is not only initiating a debate about gun control but also vowing to fight the National Rifle Association.
“I’m going to speak out against the uncontrollable use of guns in our country because I believe we can do better,” Clinton said Tuesday in Iowa City.
It may be new to the campaign trail, but it's not new to Clinton, as gun control advocate Joe Sudbay reminded me. Sudbay worked on the issue for six years in the '90s at Handgun Control, Inc. and said Hillary was always strong on the issue.
Head below the fold to read the robocall she recorded to help defeat the Missouri concealed carry measure, Proposition B.
From an April 5, 1999, Associated Press report:
"Hello. This is Hillary Clinton.
I apologize for using this recording to contact you, but I'm trying to reach as many Missouri families as I can with an urgent message. I'm calling to urge you to vote "No" on Proposition B on April 6.
"Proposition B is so poorly written, with so many loopholes, it would allow people convicted of assault, stalking - even child molesting - to carry hidden guns in places like malls, stadiums, restaurants and even school yards.
"On Tuesday, April 6, please take the time to vote no on Proposition B. It's just too dangerous for Missouri families."
It's worth noting that robocalls were fairly new at the time and a big innovation. They're a dime a dozen now. But in the '90s, they could make a difference.
Proposition B was defeated 51.67 percent to 48.33 percent.