INDIANAPOLIS — Sen. Ted Cruz on Friday likened the 2020 Democratic presidential field to a “clown car,” lampooning former Vice President Joseph R. Biden’s handsiness and past advice on how to scare off intruders with a double-barreled shotgun.

“It’s a clown car. They keep getting crazier clowns, one after the other,” Mr. Cruz told attendees at the “leadership forum” hosted by the NRA’s legislative-lobbying arm.

“You’ve got Joe Biden — Uncle Joe,” he said.

“By the way, after this convention Joe will be here offering back rubs for anyone who would would like them,” Mr. Cruz said. “You do have to sign a liability waiver first.”

Mr. Cruz also recalled Mr. Biden’s comments during the post-Sandy Hook gun debate that he advised his wife to fire a shotgun outside the house to scare off would-be intruders.

“Now, that is great advice if it so happens you’re being attacked by a flock of geese,” Mr. Cruz said.

He also said former Rep. Beto O’Rourke, who he defeated in his U.S. Senate race in Texas last year, has called for banning semi-automatic weapons.

“You’ve got Bernie Sanders the socialist, who they think is their centrist on Second Amendment issues,” Mr. Cruz said.

He also said Sen. Kamala Harris’s intention, “plain and simple,” “is to destroy the NRA.”

But he also said gun-rights supporters need to match liberals’ energy heading into 2020.

“Everyone on the left is going to show up energized and angry,” Mr. Cruz said. “The good news is the majority in our country believe in liberty, believe in common sense, believe in the Second Amendment. But here’s the key - we got to make sure they show up.”

“[It’s] people sitting at home saying you know what? My job is great, my wages are up - I don’t need to get involved,” he said. “That’s how we lose our freedoms - that’s all it takes, is a moment’s complacency.”

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