In this column dated December 17, 2002, I predicted that President G.W. Bush would support the so-called assault weapons ban first promoted by former President Bill Clinton and Sen. Diane Feinstein back in 1994. Some "prediction." Bush has repeatedly, publicly stated at least since 2000 that he supports the assault weapon ban (see http://www.issues2000.org/Celeb/George_W__Bush_Gun_Control.htm).
And yes, I believe he is wrong wrong wrong on this one.
Well, he said that he supported the "current ban," which I took to mean the current ban, which sunsets in 2004. I don't think he every specifically said he favored renewing it, and I honestly believed (I know, wishful thinking) that he would stand up for the Second Amendment and let it expire.
I really don't get it; he is not going to gain any advantage from taking this position, and he stands to lose a not-inconsiderable amount of support from gun owners, who essentially elected him in 2000.