flstf...I understand that the ban on semi-autos is the deal breaker for many, despite the fact that it had bi-partisan support when first enacted.
The "fear and smear" is the manner in which his positions have been mischaracterized by the NRA and more recently, McCain/Palin
(see the fact check in my post above for examples of the fear and smear)
"A National Rifle Association advertising campaign distorts Obama's position on gun control beyond recognition."
NRA Claim: "Ban use of Firearms for Home Self-Defense" - false
NRA Claim: "Ban Rifle Ammunition Commonly Used for Hunting and Sport Shooting" - false
NRA Claim: "Ban the Manufacture, Sale and Possession of Handguns" - false
NRA Claim: "Mandate a Government-Issued License to Purchase a Firearm" - false
NRA Claim: "Pass Federal Laws Eliminating Your Right-to-Carry" - false
NRA Claim: "Expand the Clinton Semi-Auto Weapons Ban to Include Millions More Firearms" - partly true
NRA Claim: "Appoint Judges to the U.S. Supreme Court and Federal Judiciary Who Share His Views on the Second Amendment" - unsupported
NRA Claim: "Increase Federal Taxes on Guns and Ammunition by 500 Percent" - uncertain
NRA Claim: "Close Down 90 Percent of Gun Shops in America" - uncertain
NRA Claim: "Restore Voting Rights for Five Million Criminals Including Those Who Have been Convicted of Using a Gun to Commit a Violent Crime" - mostly true - if by giving ex-felons voting rights might also mean they could have a right to own a gun.
There are alot of smears in there, mixed with a lesser number of claims for which there might be some uncertainty.
And many of ace's claims perpetuate the same gross exaggerations as the NRA, particularly that Obama's support for legislation that would NOT give firearms manufacturers blanket liability protection (with few exceptions) that NO other US industry has, would have had the impact of banning almost all rifle ammunition.
One fair critique is that some may feel uncertain about the details of Obama's positions (applies to most candidates on most issues...the devil is in the details)...but it is also reasonable to say that neither Obama nor the Democrats in Congress have any intent of making federal gun control a central issue, particularly when they know that their own Blue Dogs wouldnt be on board.