THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 30, 1994 TAG: 9412300516
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: FAIRFAX LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
Oliver L. North, who made media critiques a hallmark of his failed Senate campaign, tested the other side of the microphone Thursday, sitting in for the vacationing host of a radio news show.
The Republican, who lost to Democratic Sen. Charles S. Robb in November, has said he plans to become a full-time radio talk show host next year.
Earlier this month, North said he probably would strike a deal for a syndicated show by January. Spokesmen for North did not respond to requests for comment on the progress of those plans.
North's two-hour appearance on Washington's WMAL-AM featured a long discussion of the new ``Rhino'' bullets, which, its manufacturer says can pierce bulletproof vests.
The bullets have not been tested independently, and North suggested the manufacturer is hyping the ammunition before putting it on the market. The maker said this week that he will delay introducing the bullets because of criticism that they could be used improperly.
Speaking on the ``Bob Levey Show'' Thursday, North drew on his business experience and his membership in the National Rifle Association. His Sterling-based company, Guardian Technologies Inc., makes police armor.
He said: ``Let me just start off with the perspective that this is hogwash.
``There has never been a bullet made that can do what they say . . . and there will always be a way to make body armor that will stop a bullet.''
North chatted with mostly appreciative callers, many of whom said they had voted for him.
But when one caller suggested that the bullet controversy is an argument for stricter gun registration or controls on ammunition, North stopped him short.
``I am a life member of the NRA, let me just say that right out,'' North said.
He began a favorite theme - what he calls a liberal bias in American media. Gun control, North said, ``is one of the last great liberal issues.''
``It's the way the media played it, that this is why we need more gun control,'' North said. ``I don't think gun control is the answer to criminals.''
Another caller told North that despite his loss, the November elections were still a victory for conservatives.
North agreed.
``What this last election said was that all across America people are tired,'' he said.
``It is a chance for the sovereignty of the American individual citizen to prosper.'' by CNB