During the recent Democratic National Convention, Tim Walz, who accepted the party’s nomination for vice president, directly confronted the topic of gun control. He emphasized his dual identity as a veteran and a father, stating, “I believe in the Second Amendment, but I also believe that our first responsibility is to keep our kids safe.” Walz, who previously received an A rating from the NRA for his staunch defense of gun rights, now holds an F rating, illustrating a significant shift in both his personal views and the broader Democratic Party stance on gun policy.
Historically, in the early 2000s, Democratic candidates hesitated to discuss gun issues, perceiving it as a potential liability. Matt McTighe, a party consultant at the time, noted that candidates expressed support for background checks and other policies but avoided the topic in their campaigns, fearing it would alienate voters. However, this perspective has evolved over the years. McTighe now works with the nonprofit organization Everytown for Gun Safety and highlighted a Democratic primary forum in August 2019 where candidates competed to present their gun safety policies.
Former senator Kamala Harris, also a presidential hopeful, addressed the need for the President to confront the NRA and advocate for reasonable gun safety laws, including universal background checks and the renewal of the assault weapons ban.
During the convention, a panel titled “Protecting Future Generations: The Power of Reproductive Rights and Gun Safety on the Ballot” featured discussions tying together these two issues. Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action, expressed optimism about shifting public views on gun laws, noting that in 2010, many congressional Democrats were closely aligned with the NRA, while the current landscape includes few candidates with such ties.
Several factors contributed to this shift, according to Matt Lacombe, author of “Firepower: How the NRA Turned Gun Owners Into a Political Force.” The NRA’s increasing association with the Republican Party and its internal difficulties have allowed Democrats to take a clearer stance on gun control. Additionally, the prevalence of gun violence has made it a pressing concern for many families.
Recent legislative movements, such as the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act signed into law by President Biden, have extended background checks and funding for gun safety measures, marking a significant legislative step in gun control.
At the convention, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer illustrated the potential for Democrats to successfully advocate for gun safety alongside reproductive rights, framing them as “freedom” issues. She asserted that discussing both topics contributed to the Democratic majority in Michigan’s state legislature. Whitmer’s approach underscores a trend where Democrats are shifting their language from “gun control” to “freedom from violence,” an effort she believes can reshape public perspectives on safety.
Whitmer articulated the importance of clear communication regarding gun legislation, emphasizing that the focus is on enhancing community safety rather than infringing on individual rights to own firearms.