Sunday The Guardian reports that gun rights advocates in Sen. Bernie Sanders home state of Vermont are skeptical of candidate’s claim he can unite Americans on polarizing issue
Is a Democratic president from a gun-friendly state what America needs to tackle the polarized issue of gun violence?
Bernie Sanders argued that’s exactly what the US needs at the Democratic presidential debate on Thursday, in response to continued attacks from Hillary Clinton over his mixed voting record on gun control.
“In fact, because I come from a state which has virtually no gun control, I believe that I am the best qualified candidate to bring back together that consensus that is desperately needed in this country,” Sanders said.
Some gun rights advocates in his home state are skeptical of how much balance on guns Bernie would show if he makes it to the White House, with one recalling that Sanders seemed “afraid” even to touch a high-capacity magazine.
Sanders “doesn’t really understand” firearms, said Eddie Cutler, the president of Gun Owners of Vermont. “I know he’s lived up here for quite a while, but it’s something he’s never really been into.”
Vermont has some of the most gun-friendly laws in the nation. The state’s “constitutional carry” approach – no permit required to carry a weapon in public – is a model for gun rights advocates nationwide. Guns & Ammo dubbed Vermont one of the “best states in the country for gun owners” in 2015, second only to Arizona. READ MORE ….
