Clinton: Deny Guns To Domestic Abusers

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AllPolitics, Aug. 26) -- As his fellow Democrats opened their convention in Chicago Monday, President Bill Clinton continued heading in that direction, using a campaign-by-train stop in Columbus to highlight anti-crime issues.

Speaking at the city's police academy, where he was introduced by a local sheriff as "law enforcement's good friend," Clinton proposed a ban on the sale of handguns to convicted wife beaters and child abusers. (434K WAV sound)

The proposal would build on the so-called Brady Law, which requires a seven-day waiting period for handgun purchases and denies weapons to convicted felons. Clinton's initiative would expand the measure to include those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence crimes.

The president also:

Urged tougher prison sentences for "drug traffickers and gang members who also use a gun while they commit their crimes."
Renewed his call for a ban on "cop-killer" bullets, which can penetrate bulletproof vests. "If a bullet can slice through a bulletproof vest like a hot knife through butter, it should be against the law," said Clinton, who ridiculed opponents of the idea. (250K WAV sound)
Asked Congress to pass a measure to ban guns "anywhere near our schools."

Opening Speakers

Later in the day, Clinton was asked how he was coming on his Thursday acceptance speech, the highlight of what could prove a ho-hum convention.

"I think good," Clinton said. "It says what I want to say. Now I have to say it in best way to say it and make sure it is not too long."

Clinton's focus on crime was designed to tie into the opening session of his party's convention, which will feature a speech by Sarah Brady, wife of the former White House spokesman who inspired the gun law. James Brady was shot and partially paralyzed during the 1981 assassination attempt on former President Ronald Reagan.

Also due to speak at the convention Monday is actor Christopher Reeve, who was paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair after a horse-riding accident.

Other speakers were to include Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt, and Alma Brown, whose husband, Commerce Secretary Ron Brown, was killed earlier this year in a plane crash in Croatia.

Republicans Rest, But Not Completely

Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole and running mate Jack Kemp plan to take it easy while the Democrats hold their convention but they don't intend to remain silent. Both men will be taking working vacations in California.

Dole plans policy meetings with economic and other advisers, as well as some public appearances. Kemp says he plans to visit areas of South Central Los Angeles that were wracked by racial rioting in 1992.

'Have To Have Ohio'

Clinton plans to announce more initiatives as his campaign train approaches Chicago. Also expected: a new plan for reducing illiteracy, an environmental proposal and a plan for finding jobs for poor people most affected by changes coming in welfare programs.

Aides are hoping the proposals will solidify his support in middle America, especially Ohio, which gave Clinton a narrow victory four years ago. Clinton told an audience Sunday night, "We have to have Ohio."

Chelsea With Dad

First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and Vice President Al Gore were already in Chicago but 16-year-old Chelsea Clinton was traveling with her father aboard his campaign train dubbed the "21st Century Express."

The four-day ride began Sunday in Huntington, West Virginia, and included stops in Kentucky and Ohio. On Monday morning, before his crime speech, Clinton jogged 2.4 miles and shook hands in suburban Columbus, Ohio.

After a day of campaign appearances in Ohio, Clinton was due to be in Michigan on Tuesday and Wednesday before moving on to Indiana and finally Chicago, where he is to be nominated for a second term on Wednesday night.

Chelsea is not expected to make any speeches on the train trip, and she won't have a formal role at the convention.

Clinton: Deny Guns To Domestic Abusers

Opening Speakers

Republicans Rest, But Not Completely

'Have To Have Ohio'

Chelsea With Dad

Related stories: