Speaking to members of the National Rifle Association, Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson kept his criticism under a veil as he talked about his support of the organization since being elected a Tennessee Senator in 1994. While fellow candidate John McCain was not as subtle in his criticism of Rudy Giuliani who, as former mayor of New York City, is suing gun manufacturers for the use of guns in crime, attempting to bankrupt them, pushing them out of business.
Thompson revealed to the group of about 500 NRA members that he believes the right to bear arms, as provided by the Second Amendment of the Constitution applies to everyone and not only the military, as some other candidates have previously expressed.
The candidates were addressing the organization about the use of guns in violent crime and Thompson immediately got their attention by proclaiming that basic rights come from God and not the government. It quickly became clear the group was more interested in the candidates who have been consistent supports of the NRA and its fight to maintain the right to bear arms, as they appeared to tolerate Giuliani while enthusiastically welcoming Thompson.
One of the most self-proclaimed conservatives on the campaign trail for the Republican nomination, Thompson is advocating the return to fewer government restrictions and the return of basic rights to the American people. His consistent dismay with how the government is seeking more control over the lives of private individuals is echoing through arenas in which he peaks. With a current rating of 20% in a USA Today/ Gallup Poll on www.usaelectionpolls.com and other public opinion statistics Fred Thompson is doing unexpectedly well.
