DNC Speaker Urges Democrats to Avoid Trump’s Crime Narrative
During the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) summer assembly on Monday, a speaker cautioned Democrats against emulating President Trump’s hardline approach to crime. She contended that issues such as migrant crime and carjackings hold limited significance for many American voters.
Insha Rahman, vice president for advocacy and partnerships at the Vera Institute of Justice, asserted that Trump’s focus on crime in Washington, DC, presents a “huge opportunity” for Democrats rather than a threat.
Rahman advised party members to focus on crime issues that genuinely concern voters. She referenced a recent poll conducted by Vera’s political advocacy group, which highlighted the crimes respondents feel will affect them most directly.
The survey indicated that gun violence was the most pressing concern (36%), followed closely by homelessness and public drug usage (34%), muggings or assaults (34%), fentanyl and opioid crises (31%), retail theft (29%), carjackings (29%), and migrant-related crime (28%).
“Where does Trump focus?” she asked. “On migrant crime, carjackings, and sensational issues that create a striking narrative.”
Rahman urged Democrats to avoid these distractions, pointing out that most Americans are more concerned with addressing mental health issues and the visible homelessness evident in communities. “Those are the things you should discuss,” she emphasized.
Although almost a third of participants in Vera’s polling voiced concerns about the types of crime Rahman criticized as Republican talking points, she maintained that Democrats should steer clear of discussing them. “Don’t engage with the narrative about migrant crime or carjackings, as these issues hold less weight for Americans,” she advised.
Instead, Rahman called on Democrats to emphasize “effective policy proposals,” singling out “cashless bail” as an example.
The essence of her message was that adopting a tough-on-crime stance only solidifies the Republican image and fails to enhance the Democratic brand. She noted that Democrats would receive criticism from the GOP regardless of their crime policies.
Rahman also warned party members against referencing local crime statistics, even if they demonstrate improvement, since Trump could potentially take credit for any decreases.
“Do not shy away from the crime discussion. Embrace it fully. Highlight what Trump is doing and assert that any local safety improvements are due to our policies,” she stated.
She identified Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott as effective advocates for a narrative focused on solutions and safety.
Finally, Rahman pointed out Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-Md.) criticism of Trump’s crime measures as a diversionary tactic. Raskin suggested that the capital’s issue with graffiti is relatively minor, indicating a weak counter to the tough-on-crime rhetoric.
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