U.S. politican: Everyone should carry guns

An obscure politician running for Tennessee governor has become an internet superstar after promising fines for anyone who does not have a gun. Basil Marceaux went from a long-shot Republican candidate to a hit on YouTube after he was given one minute to pitch his campaign platform on television. Appearing on WSMV-Channel 4 in Nashville, the 58-year-old war veteran swayed on his feet as he introduced himself.

"Hi, I'm Basil Marceaux dot com," he said, although that is not his campaign's web address.

In his slurred speech, he struggled to articulate his policies in complete sentences, saying he wants to "do his issues" and "make it all freer than you were yesterday". On the issue of gun control, he promised eliminating handgun permit requirements and instead imposing fines on anyone who does not have a firearm.

"Everyone carry guns. If you kill someone, though, you get murdered and go to jail. Vote for me and, if I win, I will immune you from all state crimes for the rest of you life." he said.

He described his other political goals as including "removing all gold fringe flags", "stopping traffic stops" and "planting grass or vegetation" across the state. The video had about 780,000 YouTube hits. There are claims Mr Marceaux's appearance was a performance art stunt, but he is an official candidate. Mr Marceaux later admitted his speech was confusing.

He said he had written a six-minute speech but had to reduce it down to one minute and was distracted by producers constantly reminding him how much time he had left. Asked about his new celebrity, Mr Marceaux told the Times Free Press it was "fate".

He said: "I always knew it would happen because I'm sure everyone feels like me. It just takes guts."

He said he was pleased with the national attention he was getting, even if the coverage has largely mocked him.


/Sky News/