2024 Republican Hopefuls Court Gun Lobby, Dodge Issues at Stake
- Former President Trump and other potential 2024 Republican candidates attended the National Rifle Association's annual meeting this week, pledging to expand gun rights but avoiding discussion of recent mass shootings, abortion and other divisive topics.
- Polls show gun restrictions are popular with most Americans, but leading Republicans are loath to break with the NRA and its base.
- The event highlighted the tricky balancing act facing Trump and rivals like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who need to appeal to both moderate voters and Trump's hardcore supporters.
- Vice President Mike Pence, also eyeing a White House bid, criticized Trump and DeSantis in a separate speech for their stances on Ukraine, Social Security and abortion, signaling a more policy-focused campaign.
- The NRA's influence has slipped amid legal and financial troubles, but the group remains a conduit between Republicans and gun rights advocates who see firearm ownership as a proxy for liberty.
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