The National Rifle Association is out with a new web ad in a last-ditch pitch to put pressure on lawmakers into voting against a bill that would expand background checks for firearm sales, set to take place Wednesday.
The ad, which diminishes the recent gun control pushes from President Obama and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, cites the findings from a March survey conducted by PoliceOne.com, an organization primarily supported by ad sales from companies (including firearm manufacturers) that make products for law enforcement officials.
The survey found that police officers strongly oppose gun control legislation and believe that an armed citizenry would be effective in stopping crime. The NRA has reportedly spent $500,000 on their new ad to promote the findings.
The ad says, “71% of police officers say Obama’s gun ban will have zero effect on violent crime…80% of police say more background checks will have no effect…91% say the right answer is swift prosecution and mandatory sentencing.”
It ends with a plea: “Tell your senator to listen to America’s police instead of listening to Obama and Bloomberg.” The Senate is set to vote on nine amendments to gun legislation—including one that expands background checks—at roughly 4 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon. Earlier, Sen. Joe Manchin, the West Virginia Democrat who co-authored the critical background check amendment in question, told NBC News that the bill “will not get the votes today.” Watch the full ad here:
Emma Margolin
Emma Margolin is a reporter at MSNBC.com. Recommended
