[prion]

Since then, the president's advisers have repeatedly affirmed his support for the ban, a position that has helped him appeal to moderate voters and demonstrate independence from the powerful gun lobby.

Have you ever seen the "gun lobby" without the adjective "powerful" on the front? Is it NYT editorial policy to refer to the "powerful environmentalist lobby" or the "powerful feminist lobby"? And when did it go from "NRA" to "powerful gun lobby"? Some focus group or other must've concluded that people associated the NRA with ordinary people, rather than a shadowy corporate entity.

The way these guys hone their misuse of language is terrifying.

[Pharmboy]

...or the [powerful] teacher's lobby or union lobby. No--only the Times' enemies are powerful. Great observation.