I guess it depends on whether you believe everything political is just an "issue to be exploited by the GOP" or whether you think some things, like the Bill of Rights, are worth defending based no principle. Bush has huge political capital, much of it avilable to him due to the work of pro-second ammendment citizens. Strangely, some of us would like to see him return the favor, even if there is some cost associated.
"Strangely, some of us would like to see him return the favor, even if there is some cost associated."
And if that "cost" includes loss of the Presidency in 2004 will I, as a gun owner, NRA member, and concealed carry permit holder be better off with a Democratic President because your personal sense of justice has been satisfied?
I suggest you and others of like mind read the following:
The president has claimed the middle road supporting an extension of the current ban but not endorsing the stronger measures that gun-control supporters say would outlaw many "copycat" assault weapons. That position has forced Democrats in the Senate to reject plans for a more ambitious weapons ban
Chris W. Cox, the N.R.A's chief lobbyist, said in an interview that while the defeat of the assault-weapons ban would be one of the N.R.A's top priorities, the group's focus would be on convincing members of Congress to vote against it so that it never reaches Mr. Bush's desk. "Do we agree with the administration's position on this? No, we don't, but the real fight is going to be not at that level, but in Congress," he said
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/08/politics/08GUNS.html