Favorable views of NRA drop below 50% for second time in 30 years

Only once in Gallup’s trend have opinions of the NRA been worse than now. In 1995, 51% had a negative opinion and 42% had a positive opinion of the group.

The 1995 survey was conducted shortly after the organization sent out a widely criticized fundraising letter. The letter, citing the 1994 assault weapons ban, referred to federal agents as “jack-booted thugs” who were trying to take guns away from citizens. The reference prompted former President George H.W. Bush to discontinue his membership in the NRA in protest.