WASHINGTON – Bernie Sanders’ position on gun legislation won praise from the NRA Monday – not exactly the kind of support that’s useful in a Democratic primary.
“Sen. Sanders was spot-on in his comments about gun manufacturer liability…” the National Rifle Association posted on Twitter.
Sen. Sanders was spot-on in his comments about gun manufacturer liability/PLCAA https://t.co/nDjEerjkgB#DemDebatepic.twitter.com/jEScbMDFt4
— NRA (@NRA) March 7, 2016
The powerful pro-gun lobby also posted a graphic of Sanders’ quote from the Democratic debate Sunday branded with the NRA logo: “What you’re really talking about is ending gun manufacturing in America. I don’t agree with that.”
Sanders butted heads with Hillary Clinton at the testy standoff in Flint, Michigan, arguing gun stores and manufacturers shouldn’t be liable if people buy guns legally and then “go out and start killing people.”
In Michigan — still reeling from a mass shooting by a deranged Uber driver – Clinton chastised Sanders’ defense of gun manufacturers instead of standing up for victims.
“You talk about corporate greed? The gun manufacturers sell guns to make as much money as they can make,” Clinton said.
Sanders accused Clinton of wanting laws so tough they would wipe out gun ownership: “If that is the case, then essentially, your position is there should not be any guns in America, period.”
“That is like the NRA position,” Clinton responded.
Sanders likes to tout his “D-minus” rating from the NRA as Democratic badge of honor.
But the Vermont senator has previously been in better favor with the gun lobby (a C-minus rating in 2006) because of this position.
He supported legislation the NRA backed known as the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act which granted immunity for gun sellers in 2005.
Clinton’s team delighted in the NRA’s support for Sanders.
“Not an endorsement I would want,” Christina Reynolds, a Clinton staffer, tweeted.
Another Clinton aide Josh Schwerin tweeted: “If the NRA endorses your answer on opposing common sense gun laws you’re doing something wrong.”
