Only 47 percent describe themselves as either “angry” or “disappointed” about the gun vote

[DesMoinesDem]

The Senate’s defeat of a package of popular proposals aimed at curbing gun violence last week seemed certain to foment public outrage at out-of-touch politicians who don’t listen to their constituents.

Not so much, according to a new Washington Post-Pew Research Center poll. Yes, a plurality (47 percent) describe themselves as either “angry” or “disappointed” about the failure of the gun legislation, but 39 percent call themselves “relieved” or “happy” about what happened. That’s a far cry from the 90-ish percent support that expanding background checks — the centerpiece of the proposed legislation — enjoyed.

And, among those who said they were “very closely” keeping tabs on the vote, the split was even closer; 48 percent said they were angry/disappointed while 47 percent were relieved or happy. (That piece of data is indicative of the passion gap on the issue between those supporting gun rights and those pushing for more restrictions.)

...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/04/24/why-the-american-public-isnt-mad-as-hell-about-the-failure-of-the-gun-bill-in-numbers/

[Jamaal510]

1. Americans don't know what they want.

[SheilaT]

2. Maybe it's because the majority of us

know how useless it is to stand up to the NRA.

[lancer78]

3. Depends where this poll was taken.

This poll could have been taken from the midwestern states. The problem with the so called 90% poll was that it was only conducted in pennsylvania, new jersey, and virginia. Those 3 states voted democratic in the last 2 presidential elections.

[Common Sense Party]

4. For most people, gun control is WAY down the priority list.

People are more concerned about jobs and health care right now.

A much better public education campaign ill have to be undertaken in the red states, in the heartland, to explain WHY background checks are a simple, rational step--and it has to be clear and unequivocal and can't let the NRA twist it into: "They're gonna ban guns" or anything like that. You have to get middle America to say, "Yeah, that makes sense, let's do it," otherwise the red state Republigoobers in the House will shoot it down.

[ProSense]

5. Well, that's

Not so much, according to a new Washington Post-Pew Research Center poll. Yes, a plurality (47 percent) describe themselves as either “angry” or “disappointed” about the failure of the gun legislation, but 39 percent call themselves “relieved” or “happy” about what happened. That’s a far cry from the 90-ish percent support that expanding background checks — the centerpiece of the proposed legislation — enjoyed.

...fairly disingenuous. The poll showed a significant plurality, by eight points, “angry” or “disappointed.” Specifically, the question was not about "background checks," but the gun bill, including background checks. Since the bill included limiting the capacity of magazines, banning assault weapons and a host of other proposals, all enjoying varying degrees of support, it's dubious to compare the reaction to the failure of the overall bill to the support for background checks.

[Fla_Democrat]

6. Not around here...