In a surprising revelation, Vice President Kamala Harris declared herself a gun owner during a forum hosted by Oprah Winfrey. The Democratic presidential candidate, known for her strong stance on gun control, stated with a chuckle that she would shoot any intruder who entered her California home. While Harris has previously mentioned owning a firearm, she has largely kept this aspect of her life private, aligning with her party’s focus on restricting access to guns.
This revelation comes just months before the November 5 election and has sparked considerable discussion. Many, including Oprah Winfrey, were taken aback by Harris’s candid admission. Experts, however, believe the timing of this disclosure was no coincidence. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has repeatedly accused Harris of aiming to dismantle the Second Amendment, the constitutional right to bear arms, and has garnered support from the influential National Rifle Association. By openly acknowledging her gun ownership, Harris effectively counters these accusations and positions herself as a more moderate figure on the issue.
Professor Joan Burbick, author of “Gun Show Nation: Gun Culture and American Democracy”, explains the strategy: “Kamala Harris wants to stop her opponents from branding her as anti-gun. The easiest way to do that is to announce she is a gun owner.” Steffen W. Schmidt, a professor of political science at Iowa State University, adds that Harris’s playful remark about shooting intruders reinforces the perception that she is not soft on crime, a tactic aimed at appealing to voters who often view Democrats as lenient on lawbreakers.
The revelation, however, necessitates a delicate balancing act. Approximately one-third of US adults and 40% of households own at least one firearm, including former President Donald Trump, who is reported to own three handguns. While gun ownership is more prevalent among Republicans, Gregg Carter, professor emeritus of sociology at Bryant University, emphasizes that these are not absolute trends. Many Americans, particularly those who favor stricter gun control, are eager for tighter regulations on firearms.
With the November election approaching, Harris is strategically attempting to appeal to both groups. A Pew poll revealed that gun regulation is a significant concern for voters, placing it as the seventh most important issue. Harris has already secured the support of voters who advocate for gun control, but she aims to expand her base by demonstrating a more nuanced stance. “Because the election is so close this year – all but a dead-even heat – each party, each candidate, is trying to pull over a few more votes to its side whenever possible,” explains Carter.
Harris, who previously stated in 2019 that she kept a firearm for personal safety while working as a prosecutor, believes she has the advantage. “I’m a good marksman,” she once boasted. Whether this strategic maneuver will be enough to sway voters in her favor remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Harris is not afraid to tackle tough issues head-on, even if it means challenging conventional perceptions of her political beliefs.
