WASHINGTON: United Sates' President Barack Obama on Thursday vowed not to campaign or vote for any candidate including Democrats, who opposes tighter gun laws. Mr Obama publicly challenged critics of his policies In a concerted effort to garner sup- port for contentious unilateral measures regulating the sale and purchase of guns, a sometimes combative Mr Obama took to television to make his case. Around 30,000 people killed in the United States every year by guns, mostly in suicides an opinion article in The New York Times and primetime CNN debate that featured questions from gun owners Mr Obama argued executive measures regulating the sale and purchase of weap- ons, controversially bypassing Congress. Even as continue to take every action possible as president, l will also take every action can as a citizen," he said in mes- sage posted on the Times website. I will not campaign for, vote for or
support any candidate, even in my own party, who does not support common sense gun reform, Mr Obama said. That relatively short list could include Democratic Senator Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, who voted against gun reform in 2013 On television Mr Obama chastised crit ics who he said have "mischaracterised" his position and falsely believe he wants to repeal the right to bear arms and seize the estimated 350 million weapons in the United States. It is a conspiracy," Mr Obama said m only going be here for another year" Keep in mind I've been president for over seven years and gun sales don't seem to have suffered during that time. I've been very good for gun manufac turers," he said. In a bid to empathise with gun owners Mr Obama also said he skeet shoots from time to time at Camp David, presidential retreat near Washington Mr Obama had less empathy for the US' most prominent pro-gun lobby, the National Rifle Association (NRA) Mr Obama repeatedly trashed the organisation which helps fund the elec- tion campaigns ofstrident gun advocates notably for not taking partinthe debate near its own headquarters in the state of
virginia. "There is a reason why the NRA is not here," Mr Obama said "They are just down the street. And since this is the main reason they exist, you'd think they would be prepared to have a debate with the president. Andrew Arulanandam, spokesman for the NRA, told the host of the event that "the National Rifle Association s no reason to participate in a public relations spec tacle orchestrated by the White House Earlier this week a tearful Mr Obama said unilateral measures were needed to tackle US gun violence Flanked by survivors and relatives of some of those killed, Mr Obama became emotional as he remembered 20 elemen tary school children shot dead three years ago in Newtown, Connecticut. Mr Obama admitted on Thursday that had surprised himself by shed ding tears. According to a CNN poll 67% ofAmeri cans support the measures The measures include an increase in background checks and registration ofgun dealers while 32% oppose them. Mr Obama's proposals have prompted fierce response from the Republican candidates looking to replace him in the White House at the next election in November. AFP