While it is far from being an overwhelming lead, a recent national survey revealed that more Americans agree with Republicans’ hands-off policies in dealing with gun control than Democrats’ restrictive proposals for more gun laws.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed Americans on a number of different matters, among them being gun policy and differences between parties when it comes to battling the country’s violent crime problem. When asked the question: “Which party has a better plan on gun control?” Some 32% of respondents answered Republicans, while 28% answered Democrats.
In essence, the question is basically asking Americans whether they approve of more gun control or would like to see more recognition of Second Amendment liberty. And while a 4% margin for Republicans might sound slim, many elections have been won or lost by far fewer percentage points.
Gun-rights organization Gun Owners of America (GOA) said the poll results were spurred on by recent pro-gun legislation by House and Senate Republicans.
With this lead over Democrats in the polls, Republicans are reaping the benefits of their pro-gun actions,” the organization said in a news release. “Earlier this year, Republicans eliminated the $200 tax on items like short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, suppressors and other firearms that are regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA). While this was far from what the pro-gun community was demanding—that is, the removal of these items entirely from NFA regulations—it was at least a step in the right direction.”
Criminal violence is another matter of interest to all Americans, in particular gun owners who are deeply interested in being able to protect themselves if attacked. The Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed a large gap in which party is considered must suited to address crime.
Twice as many respondents (40%) said Republicans have a better plan for dealing with crime than Democrats do (20%). In fact, that important topic showed the widest gap of any issued included on the survey. Why the gap? Americans are becoming more aware that no cash bail laws and the revolving door justice system puts more of us at risk, while arresting, prosecuting and jailing violent criminals makes us all safer.
Interestingly, with the political violence ramping up and culminating with the assassination of Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk, the survey revealed that respondents believe
“political extremism” is the country’s biggest problem, with 28% giving that answer. Second place was the economy at 16% percent.
When pollsters asked participants which party had a better plan for tackling political extremism, results were interesting, with 30% saying Republicans and 26% answering Democrats—the same divide margin as on the gun question.
The poll of 1,019 people was conducted online and nationwide. It had a margin of error of 3 percentage points.
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