Times's editors, the Democratic nominee for the presidency, Barack Obama, took a modulated position but one which prudently avoided any whisper of criticism of the Court, or of Scalia.

Obama is from Mayor Daley's city. He emphasised that the court had indicated that prudent restrictions on gun ownership were not at risk. (Of course they are, and indeed are already the object of legal challenge in Chicago.) But his voice was at its clearest and most forceful when he said that he entirely agreed with the court that Americans have the right to bear arms.

The National Rifle Association is raising the prospect that Obama, as president, might sponsor legislation to nullify the court's decision. Don't believe it. The NRA needs a threat to keep the membership high and the donations rolling in. Obama, as candidate or president, is not stupid. He'll let the gun issue lie. That particular liberal cause will be on the shelf for many years to come.