Joe Biden’s Shotgun Approach to Politics Good for Obama Administration

[babylonsister]

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/02/21/joe-biden-s-shotgun-approach-to-politics-good-for-obama-administration.html


Joe Biden’s Shotgun Approach to Politics Good for Obama Administration
by John Avlon Feb 21, 2013 4:45 AM EST
Far from being a gaffe, Biden’s ‘buy a shotgun’ comment undercuts the ‘Obama wants your guns’ crowd—and is another example of the vice president’s important role in selling White House policy, says John Avlon.



Vice President Joe Biden listens to Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter speaks after a round table discussion on gun control with elected and law enforcement officials, Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, at Girard College in Philadelphia. (Matt Rourke/AP)

snip//

But when Joe Biden sings the praises of a double-barrel shotgun for home protection, he’s showing that he is not anti-gun. He’s drawing a useful distinction between the abstractions that are used to defend the supposed sanctity of assault weapons with the way most people use guns—for hunting or self-defense.

In his meandering way, Biden highlighted the idea of reasonable restrictions—something also backed by that notorious liberal Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia in the Heller Decision, which overturned Washington D.C.’s functional ban on handguns.

snip//

In less elegantly reasoned terms, Biden’s love for shotguns—and his argument for their practical benefits over AR-15s—stakes out the same essentially centrist ground. There is such a thing as reasonable restrictions. We can have a considered policy debate in a democracy that’s consistent with respect for the Second Amendment, driven by common sense rather than ideology. And that’s where die-hard opponents like the NRA are increasingly at a loss.

So despite all the disses, here’s to Joe Biden, who keeps the Obama White House grounded. Whether he’s dispatched to make a midnight deal with Mitch McConnell on the fiscal cliff or deployed to win over workers in a union hall, his unvarnished style has the virtue of authenticity. And that’s what cuts through the spin cycle.

Joe Biden’s shotgun approach to politics and policy can be messy. It will never be precisely on target. But it will get people’s attention and make an impression. Most important, it just might get the job done.

[Little Star]

1. I love where they said.....

that Biden's a Columbo-like figure who plays dumb but is really playing the crowd.

He's as smart as a whip and knows exactly what he's doing, just like Columbo.

[hack89]

2. Unfortunately he is wrong about shotguns being the superior weapon in every case

it is not a one size fits all solution. Shotguns do have some benefits over AR-15s. But then again AR-15s have some practical benefits over shotguns. It should be left to the individual to make the best choice for their situation.

[babylonsister]

3. Just curious...

what are the 'practical benefits' of an AR-15?

[hack89]

4. Light weight, compact, low recoil, ergonomic and adjustable.

for a woman or small framed man, it would be much easier to shoot then a double barrel shotgun.

Now personally, if I decided I would ever need a weapon for home defense, I would choose a handgun. It would leave one hand free to dial 911.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

5. It would help is what he said was accurate, correct, and legal

[Paladin]

6. There's Another Vice-President Who Suits You Better.

Guy by the name of LaPierre....

[hack89]

7. Biden's recommendation to fire warning shots could get you in legal trouble

warning shots are illegal in many places.

Biden's a great VP - he just made a mistake that's all.

[tarheelsunc]

12. Sometimes there are things more important than the law. eom

[ProgressiveProfessor]

13. Actually I am quite fond of Hubert Humphrey

You might have heard of him.

[Kingofalldems]

8. How dare Biden have an opinion!!

In the LBN thread the gunswarmers even had gun porn displayed.

[hack89]

9. Shouldn't it at least be an informed opinion?

Last edited Thu Feb 21, 2013, 03:27 PM - Edit history (1)

considering his job at the moment is to advance the President's gun control agenda. Muddying the waters with bad information is not helping anyone.

[EastKYLiberal]

10. I assure you that VP Biden is more "informed" than any nut...

With their ideological blinders on.

[hack89]

11. Advising people to break the law is not "informed"

in many states it is illegal to fire warning shots.