Most Americans are familiar with the National Rifle Association (NRA), as it is one of the most visible and powerful special interest groups in the US. On this podcast we've discussed numerous times that the NRA -- and NRA backed politicians -- have weakened existing gun laws or trompered over new, life-saving legislation. But how does the NRA manage to run such a powerful group, despite a history of mismanagement? Hosts Kelly and JJ are joined by Dr. Matthew Lacombe, author of the book Firepower: How the NRA Turned Gun Owners into a Political Force, to figure out how the NRA gained such influence within national politics. Join us as we discuss Matthew Lacombe's work (which traces the NRA from 1930 to 2020) showing how the NRA has carefully and purposefully created a distinct identity around gun ownership, which in turn has made its followers a potent political force.

Mentioned in this podcast:
US gun control: What is the NRA and why is it so powerful (BBC)
The NRA is a powerful political force — but not because of its money (Vox)
How NRA’s true believers converted a marksmanship group into a mighty gun lobby (Washington Post)
The NRA is down, but not out (Brady)

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Music provided by: David “Drumcrazie” Curby
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