Evaluating Biden’s
First 100 Days

Written By Jade Moldae

2021

Though once described as the “journalistic equivalent of a Hallmark holiday,” a president’s first 100 days reveal the new Administration’s ambitions.

When it comes to the firearms industry, President Biden has made his intentions clear through executive orders, misleading rhetoric and his ATF director nomination.

As Biden crossed this threshold Thursday, April 29, we had the opportunity to sit down with NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi to evaluate Biden’s first 100 days in office, the greatest threats facing the industry and the need to get engaged with our elected leaders.

A “Disappointing” 100 Days

Bartozzi providing his thoughts on the first 100 days of Biden’s presidency.

“I could use a lot of words to describe these first 100 days, but the first one that comes to mind is ‘disappointing,’” he shared. “Incoming president Biden talked about unifying the country, bringing people together, putting aside our differences and joining him for the common good. However, immediately after saying that, he began scapegoating the industry and law-abiding gun owners as the sources of gun violence. That’s been the most disappointing thing to me.”

President Biden’s nomination of David Chipman to run the ATF has “added insult to injury” according to Bartozzi, as Chipman is a paid lobbyist for the gun control movement and former policy advisor to both Every Town for Gun Safety and Giffords.

“This is not unifying, not bringing people together,” Bartozzi added.

As President Biden crossed the 100-day threshold on April 29, Americans continue to exercise
their Second Amendment rights by purchasing firearms at their local dealer. “It’s a phenomenal
thing — people from all walks of life, all creeds and colors, embracing the Second Amendment.
It’s been a renaissance for gun rights,” observed Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO.

The Numbers Speak

In contrast to the disappointment experienced during Biden’s first 100 days, Bartozzi highlighted how the events of the past year-plus have energized the industry.

“I trust and believe the industry is resilient. We’ve had a tremendous run on first-time gun buyers recognizing and exercising their Second Amendment rights,” he said. “It’s a phenomenal thing — people from all walks of life, all creeds and colors, embracing the Second Amendment. It’s been a renaissance for gun rights.”

Consumers responded to the pandemic and social unrest in numbers never seen before. The NSSF estimates there were 8.5 million first-time gun buyers in 2020, which contributed to a record 21,083,643 background checks last year — which speaks volumes, according to Bartozzi.

“There is something fundamentally critical about the right to defend yourself and your family, and people recognized they’re the first line of defense,” he said. “They spoke with their wallets and bought firearms and ammunition in record numbers. Despite what the president says, the numbers don’t lie.”

No Time To Sit On The Sidelines

Political engagement, especially today, is crucial for the industry’s continued success and for the preservation of the Second Amendment. NSSF provides an annual forum for industry professionals to connect directly with elected officials through its Congressional Fly-In. The 2021 Fly-In will be held May 25–26. Due to limited access at the Capitol, this year’s event will be virtual-only — which should foster additional representation from the industry.

“Our industry is facing unprecedented challenges from President Biden, his antigun allies in Congress and radical gun control advocates,” Bartozzi said. “We must deliver our message to Congress. Who better to deliver that message than the people who will be directly impacted?”

Frankly, even in “normal” years, this should be a must-attend event.

“Everyone needs to get engaged. If history has taught us anything, it’s rights are a fragile thing. Once they’re taken away, they’re not coming back. All it takes is a group of politicians to wrest control from the people and then it’s over. We must be ever vigilant,” Bartozzi added.

NSSF will be releasing more information to eligible patron members, and supporting manufacturers, distributors and retailers soon.

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Evaluating Biden’s First 100 Days

A “Disappointing” 100 Days

The Numbers Speak

No Time To Sit On The Sidelines

We think you'd be interested in this, too

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Evaluating Biden’s
First 100 Days