In Nashville today, former Florida governor Jeb Bush gave a detailed speech on his record on gun rights at the National Rifle Association today, boasting of his A+ rating from the organization.
“I will match my record against any one else’s when it comes to the support and defense of the Second Amendment,” he said.
Bush reminded the audience that he had been a member of the NRA since 1986, and cited the 1.3 million valid concealed-carry permits in his state as proof that his policies were working.
“That’s the most in the nation, nearly double that of the second state which is Texas,” he joked. ”Sorry Governor Perry, not that I’m competitive or anything.”
Bush touted six different pro-gun pieces of legislation calling it a “six pack of freedom” for Florida, enshrining the right for gun owners to protect themselves and their families.
“The only thing you should be worried about is keeping yourself and your loved ones safe, a sacred right for each citizen of our great country,” he said, praising the 10th Amendment for giving each state the right to pass its own gun laws.
Criticizing the Obama administration, Bush reminded the audience that Attorney General Eric Holder recently lamented the fact that he failed to accomplish more gun control.
“If Eric Holder calls that a failure, I’ll take it as a win,” he said.
Bush only briefly mentioned his potential candidacy for president in 2016, pointing out that he was still considering the idea.
If he did run, he said, “I will do so with joy in my heart to restore a sense of optimism about the greatest country on the face of the earth.”