From Emily Miller at The Washington Times:

An extensive 2002 study by the Centers for Disease Control examined firearms laws from all across the country and concluded none were effective in thwarting violent criminals. Such facts can’t always stand up to the effect an all-out White House campaign can have on public opinion. A Pew Research Center Poll released Thursday shows that support for the “assault weapons” ban reached 55 percent. Two years ago, a Gallup poll put support for the ban at only 43 percent.