Most Americans have a favorable opinion of the National Rifle Association, although a majority also said the powerful gun lobby doesn’t always reflect their views, a new poll has found.
The USA Today/Gallup poll was conducted Dec. 19 through Dec. 22, within days of the Dec. 14 shootings that killed 26 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. And the NRA’s controversial press conference, during which lobbying chief Wayne LaPierre called for armed guards in schools, took place on Dec. 21, midway through that period.
The poll found that 54% of Americans view the NRA favorably, while 38% have an unfavorable opinion of the group.
The results were split along party lines with eight in 10 Republicans — who are more likely to own a gun and oppose gun control — saying they approve of the NRA.
A slight majority of independents shared that positive opinion, while less than four in 10 Democrats had a favorable view of the group.
However, 61% of those polled said the NRA reflects their views only sometimes or never, including 49% of those with a gun in the household.
Gallup said Americans’ views of the NRA have fluctuated through the years — peaking with a 60% favorable rating in 2005 and bottoming out at 42% in 1995.
By Kristen A. Lee / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
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