Comment: Obama will have to tackle powerful US gun lobby

In calling for firearm controls, Barack Obama has taken on one of the most powerful movements in America — the well-funded and deep-rooted gun lobby.

There are 300 million guns in circulation in the USA, more than one each for every adult citizen. Surveys suggest that lawfully owned guns are kept in a third or more households. And as every child learns, the Second Amendment guarantees their right to bear arms.

Foremost against Obama in his fight for gun control is the National Rifle Association, a wealthy pressure group with four million members, senior links to the Republican Party and an array of star backers.

The NRA spent some $10 million (£6 million) during the 2008 presidential elections. New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, one of the main advocates for gun control, described the NRA’s power as “vastly overrated” and urged politicians not be cowed by its formidable reputation. However, Mr Obama avoided the issue during his recent campaign.

There have been 62 events of mass killings in America since 1982. In three-quarters of these, the weapons used were legally owned. Despite this, support for controls has actually declined in the past 20 years, from about 70 per cent in 1992 to about 40 per cent now.

At the same time, support for gun rights is growing, not just among Republicans, but among Democrats, and among black and Hispanic voters.

The Connecticut massacre has put gun control back on the agenda — but translating outrage into action will be a tall order.