With all due respect to everyone here, there is no need for any "evidence" to prove if carrying actually makes you safer or just feel safe. If you can legally carry and you choose to do so, and if it makes you as a person feel safer or more comfortable, even if it's just knowing that you have the opportunity to defend yourself against another person or persons who attempt to harm you, your family or another innocent, then so be it.
I don't think it's a liberal or conservative ideal per se (although society seems to dictate that most liberals are against it and most conservatives are for it). I believe it's more a personal choice and no one, not a liberal or conservative should tell you whether carrying is the right thing or wrong thing to do. When you pull the trigger, you are the one who has to deal with the consequences, good or bad.
But for those who are against it or choose not to carry, ask yourselves, why should the dirt bag with a gun pointed at you or your family have the upper hand and you not to at least have the choice to level the playing field?