The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) got a copy of what appears to be the playbook for how to fight against the 2A: Preventing Gun Violence Through Effective Messaging (80pg PDF)
I've just skimmed through it. You can see the tactics they use laid out explicitly. Emphasize emotional appeals. The public thinks of the NRA as mainstream, so paint them as extremists, etc. Continually use the term "gun violence" to link the two words together and disassociate the term "gun" from safety, protection, and freedom. Some quotes:
I've just skimmed through it. You can see the tactics they use laid out explicitly. Emphasize emotional appeals. The public thinks of the NRA as mainstream, so paint them as extremists, etc. Continually use the term "gun violence" to link the two words together and disassociate the term "gun" from safety, protection, and freedom. Some quotes:
It’s critical to know that our base supporters (anti-2A) are very critical of the NRA’s role in enabling gun violence. But, most general audiences view the NRA as a mainstream organization.
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Don’t break the power and undermine the value of emotionally powerful images and feelings by appearing squeamish or apologetic in presenting them. (translated: dance in the blood of the victims)
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It is important to emphasize that current laws allow easy access to guns for criminals, mentally unstable people, and even terrorists. Generally speaking, the public makes the assumption that our nation’s gun laws are much stronger than is actually the case.
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DO talk about "preventing gun violence". DON'T talk about "gun control".
DO advocate for "stronger" gun laws. DON'T use the term "stricter" gun laws.
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When talking to base (anti-2A) audiences, put responsibility for the stunning lack of common sense in America’s gun laws where it belongs – at the feet of the NRA.
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Be clear that we know how to protect people from gun violence, which makes failure to act inexcusable. (tell that to the people of Chicago)