Why Americans Think They Are Opposed To Gun Control, But Really Aren’t

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/12/11/3602462/what-to-make-of-that-poll-showing-america-turning-against-gun-regulation/

A recent Pew Research poll showed that more voters favor gun rights over gun control when asked which was more important. In the very same poll a larger majority favored universal background checks and every other specific gun control policy in the poll. How can this be?

This thinkprogress piece does a good job of explaining it.

A Huffpost piece had another thought. Over the past decade the pro gun lobby has consistently cast all gun control proposals as an attempt at total confiscation. Say something long enough and loud enough and people begin to believe it. Talk about background checks and the gunners all scream "gonna take my guns away11!1!!1"

Factually there are a very few who would support a total ban but long years of painting all control advocates as that tiny minority has taken its toll on rational discussion.