A Democratic pollster believes that President Trump is showing unusual “leadership” on guns in the wake of the Florida school shooting, and he even compared his comment that “I hear you” to former President George W. Bush’s megaphone rallying call in New York after the 9/11 attack.
“I think he rose to the moment in the same way,” said pollster John Zogby.
Zogby Analytics Survey.
Over the past two days, Trump has tackled issues related to the shooting, and has taken steps on three sought by advocates: Strengthening the FBI gun background check system and adding mental health information, increasing the age to 21 for AR-15-style rifles, and banning bump stocks.
“Anyone who thinks that Donald Trump is not good at politics does not see that he is the one who understands that these young people are not going to give up, that much is on the line than simple legislation, that above all they need to be heard and honored in this life-changing moment of grief,” Zogby told Secrets.
“In his notes, Mr. Trump wrote ‘I hear you’ — the same magical words President George W. Bush shouted into a megaphone in NYC after 9/11. His legislative package may not yet be enough for some but it fosters even more conversation among a group of young people who want to believe someone can help them. Say what you want about Donald Trump — and readers know I do not hesitate — this is presidential leadership,” added Zogby, who co-authors the weekly Secrets presidential report card.
I will be strongly pushing Comprehensive Background Checks with an emphasis on Mental Health. Raise age to 21 and end sale of Bump Stocks! Congress is in a mood to finally do something on this issue – I hope!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 22, 2018
Meanwhile in two recent Zogby Analytics polls, a majority backed the Second Amendment’s protections on gun ownership, but they also endorsed much of what the president is considering. Some 53 percent supported this paragraph:
“There should be new federal regulation of certain guns and accessories; for example, the ‘bump stock’, which can alter semi-automatic rifles to fire at a rapid pace. Stricter gun laws will prevent felons, the mentally ill, or other dangerous people from getting their hands on an assault weapon with such ease and committing mass murder. Protecting many people from tragedy is the price the American people should pay by relinquishing some of their second amendment right to keep and bear arms.”
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
