Americans Confused About the NRA

A new Quinnipac poll finds that an astonishing 92% of Americans, including 89% of Republicans, support requiring a background check for all would be gun buyers. Fifty-six percent support banning assault weapons and high capacity magazine clips.

That said, Americans also say they think the National Rifle Association better represents their views than President Obama, 46% to 43%.

Greg Sargent: “Okay, so nine in 10 Americans support universal background checks, and solid majorities back the assault ban, both of which are opposed by the NRA and regularly characterized as gun-grabbing tyranny — yet people think the NRA better represents their views. There’s been a lot of chortling on the right about the NRA’s favorability ratings, but this poll makes it plain: People don’t have any idea what the NRA really stands for.”