Posted on 04/17/2007 8:04:49 AM PDT by izzatzo
LAREDO, Texas (AP) - Sen. John McCain says the shooting rampage at Virginia Tech does not change his view that the Constitution guarantees everyone the right to carry a weapon. "We have to look at what happened here, but it doesn't change my views on the Second Amendment, except to make sure that these kinds of weapons don't fall into the hands of bad people," McCain said Monday in response to a question.
The Arizona Republican, who was campaigning in this Texas-Mexico border city, said he didn't know the details of the attacks at Virginia Tech.
"I do believe in the constitutional right that everyone has, in the Second Amendment to the Constitution, to carry a weapon," he said. "Obviously we have to keep guns in the hands of law-abiding citizens."
McCain and other presidential hopefuls issued statements expressing shock and grief over the attacks.
"As a parent, I am filled with sorrow for the mothers and fathers and loved ones struggling with the sudden, unbearable news of a lost son or daughter, friend or family member," read a statement by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y.
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a Republican, called it a "day of national tragedy, when we lost some of our finest to a senseless act."
Democratic candidate John Edwards said in a statement: "We are simply heartbroken by the deaths and injuries suffered at Virginia Tech. We know what an unspeakable, life-changing moment this is for these families and how, in this moment, it is hard to feel anything but overwhelming grief, much less the love and support around you. But the love and support is there."
Republican candidate Mitt Romney said: "The entire nation grieves for the victims of this terrible tragedy that took place today on the campus of Virginia Tech. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the entire Virginia Tech community. Our full support is behind the law enforcement officials who are involved with stabilizing the situation and conducting an investigation."
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., said the nation is mourning the dead and praying for their families and for the wounded.
"Today, we are a grieving and shocked nation. Violence has once again taken too many young people from this world."
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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But, hasn't McCain previously expressed opposition to gun rights, and my point being, isn't this a position change for purposes of pursuing conservative base support for the GOP nomination? Does anyone have a confirmation that this is a position change?
Note that "...don't fall into the hands of bad people," leaves a lot of wiggle room.
As much as I despise John McCain, he is smart enough to know that the 2nd Amendment means something!
McCain is useless to ANYONE except himself and his main support group, the MSM.
Nothing has changed.
Agreed, but I still think he is changing some of his positions, including the Second Amendment, in order to be more acceptable to the base. Unfortunately, I’m drawing a blank right now on his previous statements. But, ultimately, the guy, I think, is totally untrustworthy.
Dittos.
I wonder what he would do, when he loses the nomination to FT this time. As a matter of fact, when he comes 4th behind FT, RG, amd MR.
I think he would get so mad that he may try to lead the movement to impeach GW - thats how crazy he is.
well lawzy me! he turned into Charton Heston in the wink of an eye.....
I thought the answer was that ‘because bad people may get weapons at times its important that the honest and law abiding be prepared.’
Half a wink-been readin’ the polls! Again, I swear I’ve heard/read of his supporting gun control before, but I just don’t have the exact date of/his quotes right now. Time for additional research-PC’s/web are great for that.
With McCrazy, anything, anytime, anywhere is possible.
(sarc)
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