Obama Pro-Gun?

Talking to the crowds in rural Pennsylvania, Obama tried to downplay his record of voting for the gun-control bills, and tried to reposition himself as being a pro-gun activist. Several democratic surrogates from Pennsylvania who are also pro-gun helped him in securing contact with the rural population. By assuming the popular position regardless of the fact that it contradicts his personal belief and voting record to win a particular segment of the population, Sen. Obama can make angry bigger groups of his devoted supporters, such as women and urban voters. Moreover, if he actually becomes a Democratic nominee, Republicans are very likely to use this policy switch example and portray Obama as a flip flopper. Even though appealing to a variety of voters is very important for the candidate to win the Presidential Nomination, a candidate has to pick and chooses his battles carefully and realize that he or she could not possibly be popular with everyone. Otherwise, the candidate may be perceived as a crowd pleaser and a flip flopper, which could be a disaster to his or her image.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0408/9398.html