McCain tries to fool the NRA

From The Washington Post:

LOUISVILLE, May 16 -- Sen. John McCain, once derided as one of the "premier flag-carriers for the enemies of the Second Amendment" by the National Rifle Association, enthusiastically embraced the group's pro-gun agenda at its annual convention here Friday.

In front of a crowd of about 6,000 people who gave him two standing ovations, McCain also mocked Democratic Sen. Barack Obama as a liberal, anti-gun politician and made a direct appeal to the "bitter" voters Obama said were clinging to their "guns or religion" to soothe concerns about their economic struggles.

"The Second Amendment isn't some archaic custom that matters only to rural Americans who find solace in firearms out of frustration with their economic circumstances," McCain said.

McCain, who is viewed with suspicion among many gun owners because of his efforts to reform campaign finance laws and his decade-long battle with the NRA over background checks at gun shows, sought to mollify his conservative critics by declaring fealty to the Second Amendment. The presumptive GOP nominee did not abandon his support for background checks, but he tried to cast his disagreements with the NRA as isolated cases separate from otherwise solid support for gun rights.

This is standard McCain. Go before a group who he has alienated by his deeds and offer them words. Note that McCain didn't back off the things which have caused the NRA to condemn him. This is also standard McCain, never abandon you left-of-center positions on anything.

Gun owners need to be aware of the fact that if McCain is elected that he will work with the Democrat majority to "close the gun show loophole" in a way which will effectively outlaw gun shows and probably outlaw all private transfers of firearms as well.

If gun owners are going to lose ground over the next four years I would rather it be to Democrats than to Republicans. At least then in 2012 Republicans could remind gun owners that it wasn't the Republican party which screwed them.