Though nearly half of the public says it is essential for the president and Congress to act on major gun legislation this year, Democrats are much more likely to say this than Republicans.
More than eight-in-ten gun owners support proposals to require background checks on private gun sales and at gun shows.
The president’s inaugural address and the confirmation testimony of Kerry and Hagel are being scrutinized by foreigners for signs of America’s international intentions. To separate lofty ambitions from practical realities, their statements must be interpreted in the context of U.S. public opinion – and that means they should be taken with a large grain of salt.
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