Obama Mum on Chicago Gun Ban
ABC News’ Teddy Davis, Alexa Ainsworth, and Gregory Wallace Report: Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., is hedging on whether Chicago’s ban on handguns is constitutionally permissible in the wake of Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling striking down a similar law in Washington, D.C.
He included a cryptic reference to "what works in Chicago" in his Thursday statement on the DC gun ruling.
"I know that what works in Chicago may not work in Cheyenne," said Obama.
But Obama’s spokesman says that the reference to "what works in Chicago" does not indicate his view on the constitutionality of Chicago law.
"He didn’t point out anything specific except for the fact that they are two different places where different solutions are often appropriate," Obama spokesman Bill Burton tells ABC News.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., by contrast, has been less guarded in offering his view on what Thursday’s ruling means for Chicago.
"Today’s ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller makes clear that other municipalities like Chicago that have banned handguns have infringed on the constitutional rights of Americans," said McCain in a paper statement issued by his campaign.
Chicago is a focus of attention because it is the major city whose gun laws come closest to those found in the nation’s capital. While Chicago’s handgun ban is similar to the one found in Washington, D.C., the Windy City’s gun law does not have restrictions on long guns like the ones found in the nation’s capital.
Chicago can also be distinguished from D.C. from a legal standpoint in that it is not a federal enclave.
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5-4 folks. One judge away from a police state.
No Obama
Posted by: geevill | June 26, 2008, 1:01 pm 1:01 pm
We already are in a police state thanks to Bush and his, as I call it, anti-patriot act..
Obama 08
Posted by: Joe | June 26, 2008, 1:13 pm 1:13 pm
Great answer Obama.
He agrees that right to bear arms is an individual right but agrees with Scalia that some restrictions depending upon the location ie inner cities is okay.
I think that is what most Americans feel.
Posted by: Stacey | June 26, 2008, 1:14 pm 1:14 pm
Agreed stacey and why as geevil points out is this ruling Obama’s fault? But I”m in MT and we own assault rifles but you got to have alot of $$$$ to shoot one. I don’t like bans though this is a tuff subject. all I know is I dare any of them to try and take my guns.
Posted by: Joe | June 26, 2008, 1:19 pm 1:19 pm
Barack Obama has the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE tattooed on his stomach. It’s upside-down, so he can read it while doing sit-ups.
Obama 08!!
Posted by: matt w. | June 26, 2008, 1:20 pm 1:20 pm
Let the truth be known
Obama issued a statement today saying, “I have always believed that the Second Amendment protects the right of individuals to bear arms”—-another statement which holds no air.
Do you remember Hale Demarr from Illinois, Mr. Obama, who shot a man that had broken into him home and was trying to rob him? He was arrested by the police with violating the handgun ban in Wilmette a suburb of Chicago. There was outrage because most people would do the same as Mr. Demarr and protect their families.
When the legislation was introduced Mr. OBAMA VOTED AGAINST the legislation that allowed Mr. Demarr to use a gun in self-defense and protect himself or his family in his home. An amendment was added in May, allowing “when on his or her land or in his or her abode or fixed place of business” and this version went back to the Senate, and OBAMA VOTED AGAINST IT A SECOND TIME. In August Gov. Rod Blagojevich vetoed the bill, but both the Illinois Senate and House overwhelmingly voted to overturn his veto—MR. OBAMA WAS NOT PRESENT ON THAT DAY.
All Americans want the “right” to protect their lives, their homes and families as outlined by the US Constitution. What Mr. OBAMA says is never the truth!
Posted by: Ann | June 26, 2008, 1:21 pm 1:21 pm
Obama threw his Votes and Statements on Gun Control Under the Bus.
Obama is a LIAR.
And his Versace Pants are on Fire.
Posted by: carpenter.nyc | June 26, 2008, 1:25 pm 1:25 pm
Again OBAMA has it right without pandering
Posted by: right | June 26, 2008, 1:27 pm 1:27 pm
What didn’t Obama join the other 55 Senators then? I thought he did not know anytihng about the lawsuit.
So does Obama feel the same about abortion rights? What works in Chicago doesn’t work in Cheyene?
Posted by: geevill | June 26, 2008, 1:28 pm 1:28 pm
Thanks for sharing, Ann. We ALL no Obama NEVER tells the truth!
Posted by: david from texas | June 26, 2008, 1:31 pm 1:31 pm
geevill keep on the subject were does your man stand? Oh he probably still thinks we need to settle the west! LOL!!!!
Posted by: Joe | June 26, 2008, 1:32 pm 1:32 pm
This internet addicted young kids have no understanding of Constitutional rights and supporting this Flip-Flopper.
Media used to call “Clinton’s will do anything to get elected”. What do they call this Liar.
This liar calls himself Constitutional Professor with out understanding of US constitution.
I Laugh at this internet addicted kids
Posted by: john | June 26, 2008, 1:33 pm 1:33 pm
Joe,
Are you referring to McCain? he signed the Amicus brief along with 54 other Senators arguing the Second Amendment gives the right to individual gun ownership.
Posted by: geevill | June 26, 2008, 1:35 pm 1:35 pm
@ john and geevill: the internet addicted kids want to push Nobama down our throats, just like the media. However, if you look at Gallup, Obama and McCain are tied today at 44%. This means, that even with all the money Nobama has and the media in his back pocket, America is not buying into his empty rhetoric. Obama’s theme for his campaign has changed. It’s now ….”empty suit with no substance.”
Posted by: david from texas | June 26, 2008, 1:42 pm 1:42 pm
Who else would I be referring too. Good for mccain I bet he doesnt remember signing it. Or it was an election year.. LOL!! He can’t even work a computer!!!! LOL!!! Why can’t he move his neck ethier?
Posted by: Joe | June 26, 2008, 1:43 pm 1:43 pm
There’s no difference between Obama and Mugabe.
Both are Marxist dictators!
Posted by: Mark | June 26, 2008, 1:46 pm 1:46 pm
I don’t trust anyone with my gun rights that have a bunch of secrect service folks standing around them, providing protection with guns, Obama doesn’t need a gun, but might if he loses the election and his S/S hired hands.
Posted by: John | June 26, 2008, 1:47 pm 1:47 pm
Joe
Still struggling with complexity, I see.
Posted by: T | June 26, 2008, 1:48 pm 1:48 pm
A question for Senator Obama, “what exactly IS working for Chicago?
I read several young homosexual men in South Chicago, including a prominent member of your church, Donald Young, were shot to death. So apparently what you have in Chicago is not working.”
Posted by: geevill | June 26, 2008, 1:49 pm 1:49 pm
geevill
Do you have a job?
Posted by: wondering | June 26, 2008, 1:51 pm 1:51 pm
Why isn’t Canada or Brittain like Zimbabwee then? I hate gun control as much as the next guy but man blaming this on Obama is a strech. I think our court is working fine.
Posted by: Joe | June 26, 2008, 1:54 pm 1:54 pm
Joe
I know this is hard for you but really, all you have to do is connect a few dots.
Posted by: T | June 26, 2008, 1:55 pm 1:55 pm
Canada doesn’t have free speech. People who want it move here. The Second amendment is why we aren’t British anymore. The colonials owned guns and knew how to use them.
Posted by: geevill | June 26, 2008, 1:58 pm 1:58 pm
Remember Obama’s statement about stupid people clinging to guns and bibles. That alone should be all one has to know about this jerk!
Posted by: A | June 26, 2008, 1:58 pm 1:58 pm
What to become a conservative repub a hole like you? No thanks I’m fine
Posted by: Joe | June 26, 2008, 1:58 pm 1:58 pm
With help from the French geevill. I know how to use guns as well. shoot everyweekend.
Posted by: Joe | June 26, 2008, 2:00 pm 2:00 pm
I don’t think its so much hatred for Obama that Clinton supporters are voting for McCain, rather, its the way that Obama treated and “trashed” Hillary in the primaries. Added to this is the fact that since winning the nomination, Obama has become very arrogant, is now literally “sucking” up to Hillary, and continues to “flip-flop” daily on major issues. He says what he thinks America wants to hear at the time, but never has a definite stance on any of the issues. Obama and McCain are tied at 44% according to Gallup. If Obama has the presidency locked up as many analyst say, and is outspending Mccain 6 to 1, and has the media in his back pocket, why isn’t he blowing McCain out of the water? The reason is because Americans have become aware of Obama’s shallowness and flip flopping, they are seeing him for what he really is…an empty suit with no substance!
Posted by: david from texas | June 26, 2008, 2:00 pm 2:00 pm
When citizens rights to bear arms are revoked only criminals will have arms. And what is it about FEMA going to disaster sites and confuscating guns from law abiding citizens, who then are left defensless and unable to defend their property; And then the police break into their houses without their consent on “safety checks”, illegaly serching their houses, and confuscating or more accurately STEALING whatever property they wish while the homeowners are focibly restrained and arrested for even showing up to voice their dissent ot such unlawful actions. And yet the mainstream media is continually silent on these matters and states that a ruling restricting an unalienable right is constitutional… Amazing!
Posted by: pity | June 26, 2008, 2:00 pm 2:00 pm
This is an issue Obama would like to vote Present on.
He was an opportunist when DC made their ruling and jumped on the band wagon with, the states should decided.
He refuses to commit just references chicago.
Gutless chump……………….
Posted by: seah | June 26, 2008, 2:02 pm 2:02 pm
Are Obama supporters as much in the dark as BHO himself?
Posted by: Just Curious | June 26, 2008, 2:04 pm 2:04 pm
A patriot is ready to protect his country from his government.
Posted by: Joe | June 26, 2008, 2:05 pm 2:05 pm
Joe – don’t be so hard on yourself. Maybe it’s genetic.
Posted by: Just Curious | June 26, 2008, 2:07 pm 2:07 pm
What being a republican a-hole? I’m sure it is. LOL!!! I’m done with this topic. have fun
Posted by: Joe | June 26, 2008, 2:09 pm 2:09 pm
Mark,
I am a little lost. Why are you inferring that Obama will create an Islamic state? Is this in reference to his name? Cuz I am named after two Catholic Saints does that mean if I were elected I would make America another Vatican?
ohh..I just got it, I am a tad slow. You are being racist. OHHH..ok got it now. never mind my question.
Posted by: Bon Vivant | June 26, 2008, 2:12 pm 2:12 pm
Bon Vivant
If you are a catholic then you should never vote for Obama, because you will go to hell.
Reason:
He voted abortion even on 3rd Trimester and voted to kill the baby if the baby is delivered alive during the abortion process.
I am a catholic too.
Posted by: john | June 26, 2008, 2:17 pm 2:17 pm
John,
I think you missed my point, the silagism as it were.
1) Obama has islamic name
2) Obama is christan
therefor Obama will creat islamic state
1) I have christan name
2) I do not practice religion (this was the part that I was hopeing was understood)
therefor I will create christan state.
I was trying to point out the bad bit of logic in Mark’s post. But alas it seems I failed miserably.
on your other note. I happen to have male bits and pieces so I am of the mind it is really not my business what a woman decides to do or not to do with her body. Let “them” figure out how to make me pregnant and i assure you I will have many strong opinions on the matter.
Posted by: Bon Vivant | June 26, 2008, 2:25 pm 2:25 pm
david from texas |
Obama doesn’t have to blow him out! He just has to win…you know the way he booted Clinton from the race! As for sucking up, who’s in debt?
Like Bill Clinton, you’re all sore losers!
HA HA HA!
Posted by: Daunte | June 26, 2008, 2:34 pm 2:34 pm
When asked in a debate about this DC ban he acted like he didn’t know all the details.
PURE BS!!! He knew quite well and didn’t want YOU to know he was FOR IT!!!
Obama is going down already – and I can already taste it.
Posted by: Jo | June 26, 2008, 2:35 pm 2:35 pm
Most of the men who have a problem with Obama are likely under 6 feet tall and have small feet! All of you are looking down right now aren’t you?
It’s obviouse that you’re all very small…and you’re probably short too!
he he he!
Posted by: Korby | June 26, 2008, 2:39 pm 2:39 pm
Actually right, this quote says just about everything we need to know about Obama’s pandering.
Politically, gun control works in Chicago. Politically, it doesn’t work in Cheyenne.
Leave the polling aside for 30 seconds and tell us what the man who would be our next president thinks. You didn’t hesitate yesterday on the death penalty. Of course, that’s not quite so polarized, is it? Most Americans support it in rare but deserved cases.
Obama the Pander Bear!
Posted by: commonsensenj | June 26, 2008, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm
Well, the Supreme Court got one right, finally.
Posted by: Lance | June 26, 2008, 2:58 pm 2:58 pm
Posted by Stacey:
“Great answer Obama.
“He agrees that right to bear arms is an individual right but agrees with Scalia that some restrictions depending upon the location ie inner cities is okay.
“I think that is what most Americans feel.”
I don’t think so, Stacey. What you’re writing would suggest that Constitutional rights are not truly the supreme law of the land, but simply “nice to have” rights that are subject to the whims of local politicians. If the Constitution protects a fundamental right, whether it is to practice one’s religion, speak out about political abuses, or carry a weapon in self-defense, that right remains the same, regardless of where one lives.
Of all the prominent politicians on the natioanl stage, Senator Obama has, unfortunately been the most mealy-mouthed of any of them (and I generally like the guy): he has proclaimed himself a supporter of Second Amendment rights, but has voted against those rights as an Illinois legislator. When asked about the merits of the Heller case, Senator Obama, who makes much of the fact that he once taught constitutional law, sidestepped the question completely, timidly stating that he “hadn’t read the briefs.” This was an act of political cowardice, an incredibly troubling statement from the man who has been a constant critic of the current President’s stance on Constitutional rights.
Posted by: MikeB | June 26, 2008, 3:19 pm 3:19 pm
Obama just can’t be trusted with the truth!
Posted by: Soetoro No! | June 26, 2008, 3:42 pm 3:42 pm
Nice to see you are reading each others comments and responding….not sure any minds will be changed here…but there is that 8% of Americans out there that may read this!
Go McCain!
Posted by: Jackie | June 26, 2008, 4:56 pm 4:56 pm
Get that liar and thief Obama outta here! Bring on Hillary!
Posted by: jeep395 | June 26, 2008, 5:54 pm 5:54 pm
Obama is all things to all people. If he is in California, he talks of the people in Pennsylvania clinging to their guns and their religions in hard times. If he is in Washington, DC, the people do not need their guns…wait a minute, he agrees with the Supreme Court decision! If he is in his Chicago church, you’d better get a gun. Do people in DC go hunting?….besides Cheney? Obama has so many things to think about. Which way is it? What state am I in? The “green” zone.
Posted by: georgia | June 26, 2008, 7:21 pm 7:21 pm
Obama has shut his trap because he just threw himself under the bus along with his middle name HUSSEIN. He changes his mind daily and flip flops on almost every point. Do you really want this guy in the Oval Office making decisions on YOUR BEHALF? He pretends to have a vast resevoir of knowlege and history but unfortunately for him, if he does not have a teleprompter or a speech written for him he is speechless. It’s clear what kind of character he has. He is now dropping the use his middle name for the sake of the presidency. What a joke.
Posted by: mjl | June 26, 2008, 8:27 pm 8:27 pm
It has occurred to me that whenever anybody points out Senator Obama’s middle name I can just insert “He/she is a racist” after their comments. It just help keep things organized.
Posted by: Bon Vivant | June 26, 2008, 9:27 pm 9:27 pm
It looks like Obama is going to avoid the tough issues like gun control and try not to make waves. It could be that Obama has become a “do anything to win”politician not a real change agent. The excitement over his candidacy is definitely diminishing.
Posted by: rafraf | June 26, 2008, 10:38 pm 10:38 pm
What aa typical politician, Oh wait, he’s not supposed to be a typical politician. He takes firm principaled stands and sticks to them even if it is politically disadvantagious to him, like turning down $100 million + in contributions because he believes in public financing. Wait, he didn’t do that either. You don’t need a weatherman(or Bill Ayers) to know which way the wind blows, just watch Obacma spinning in the breeze.
Posted by: chicosez | June 27, 2008, 12:57 am 12:57 am
It seems like everytime the issue of guns has come up in this election cycle, everyone is left scratching his head wondering exactly where Obama stands. He has said every single thing he has said with regards to the issue is out of context, a misstatement by one of his staff or he is misunderstood. Please tell us exactly where you stand on this issue. If you agree with this ruling, then you agree it is an individual right, if that is so, please explain how the Chicago ban meets the scrutiny there must be to infringe up an indiviual right.
Posted by: Jay | June 28, 2008, 1:50 pm 1:50 pm
Well how about that! b Hussein o is anti freedom as are all dimocrats. They do not want people who can think. They want sheepeople. He is anti bill of rights , then only reason he can run for a office is because his mother was caucasion , his grandparents the same. He calls them whitey, I think the vote should be for the nation as a whole. Do not have much to say (!) about anyone who dose not wear the flag!
Posted by: don | August 22, 2008, 2:15 pm 2:15 pm
During the first four months of 2008, 134 murders were committed in Chicago, a gun in the hand is better than 2 cops on the street! “NO”BAMA ’08
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