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McCain uses ruling to slam Obama on 'bitterness' comment |
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By Andy Barr
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Posted: 06/26/08 11:12 AM [ET] |
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Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) immediately seized on the Supreme Court’s ruling that Americans have the right to bear arms and slammed his presidential rival Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) on the issue. “Unlike the elitist view that believes Americans cling to guns out of bitterness, today’s ruling recognizes that gun ownership is a fundamental right -- sacred, just as the right to free speech and assembly,” McCain said, referencing a major Obama campaign gaffe. Leading up to the Pennsylvania primary, the Illinois senator had said that “bitter” small town Americans “cling to guns or religion,” a remark for which he had received great criticism and that was used to describe Obama as an elitist. McCain also pointed out that his Democratic rival did not join him in signing an amicus brief in the case. The GOP standard-bearer called the decision a “landmark victory for Second Amendment freedom in the United States,” but said the ruling does not mean an end to the fight over the right to bear arms. “This ruling does not mark the end of our struggle against those who seek to limit the rights of law-abiding citizens,” he said. “We must always remain vigilant in defense of our freedoms.” |
