These charts reflect the results of a new Politico / Morning Consult Poll -- done between August 5th and 7th of a national sample of 1,960 registered voters, with a 2 point margin of error.
The top chart is on support for banning assault-style weapons. The bottom chart is on support for subjecting all gun buyers to a background check.
Donald Trump has said for the second time (the last time after the Parkland shooting) that he supports making all gun buyers be forced to go through a background check before being allowed to purchase a gun. The last time he said that, he flipped and again opposed those checks. It would not surprise me if, after things die down a bit, he agains flips. He's already getting flack from the NRA, and he's loathe to do anything they don't like.
He also said there's no legislative support for banning assault-style weapons. That is probably true of congressional Republicans (who were long ago bought and paid for by the NRA), but it is certainly not true for most Americans. About 70% of registered voters support banning them, while only about 24% oppose it. Trump and the Republicans are on the wrong side of this issue.
And the feeling is even stronger when it comes to plugging the holes in the background check law. About 90% of registered voters want ALL gun buyers to be subjected to a background check before being allowed to purchase a weapon (even on sales from one individual to another).
Will Republicans finally act on these issues? Will McConnell stop blocking the House background check bill and allow debate on banning assault-style weapons? Don't hold your breath for it. The only thing they've been willing to do is offer "thoughts and prayers" -- and I doubt that's changed.
It's just another reason why Republicans must be voted out of power in the next election.
