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Obama Mum on Chicago Gun Ban

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June 26, 2008 12:57 PM

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. 

June 26, 2008 in Kucinich, Dennis | Permalink | User Comments (53)

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5-4 folks. One judge away from a police state.

No Obama

Posted by: geevill | Jun 26, 2008 1:01:41 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 | Jun 26, 2008 1:13:40 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 | Jun 26, 2008 1:14:28 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 | Jun 26, 2008 1:19:49 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. | Jun 26, 2008 1:20:48 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 | Jun 26, 2008 1:21:55 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 | Jun 26, 2008 1:25:07 PM

Again OBAMA has it right without pandering

Posted by: right | Jun 26, 2008 1:27:58 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 | Jun 26, 2008 1:28:17 PM

Thanks for sharing, Ann. We ALL no Obama NEVER tells the truth!

Posted by: david from texas | Jun 26, 2008 1:31:20 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 | Jun 26, 2008 1:32:46 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 | Jun 26, 2008 1:33:48 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 | Jun 26, 2008 1:35:30 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 | Jun 26, 2008 1:42:46 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 | Jun 26, 2008 1:43:32 PM

There's no difference between Obama and Mugabe.

Both are Marxist dictators!

Posted by: Mark | Jun 26, 2008 1:46:47 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 | Jun 26, 2008 1:47:09 PM

Joe

Still struggling with complexity, I see.

Posted by: T | Jun 26, 2008 1:48:44 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 | Jun 26, 2008 1:49:38 PM

geevill
Do you have a job?

Posted by: wondering | Jun 26, 2008 1:51:09 PM

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