Let me explain my position on @Morning_Joe. When Democrats concern themselves about the political fallout over the slogan, “defund the police,” they end up, in most instances, captitulating to a certain framing of policing that is deeply problematic. 1/
@realDonaldTrump and Republicans will appeal to white fears and resentments. Use the tropes of law and order and accuse Democrats of being soft on crime. Responding to that accusation over the years has led to Democrats being complicit in building the carceral state. 2/
We can’t allow that frame to dictate how we respond to the demands of protesters. 3/
In my view, @joebiden shouldn’t take the bait to pit him against those demands. He should pivot to a discussion of redirecting funds to invest in mental healthcare, to his housing proposals, to the issue of funding for education. 4/
Reject the frame of law and order, of being tough or soft on crime, and offer a more robust account of public safety that involves massive investment in our communities. And then offer a slogan, if you like. Someone emailed me and suggested “communities first”. 5/
Again, he has to reject the framing and position the debate about policing on a different terrain. Otherwise, he and Clyburn and others look like they want to maintain the status quo. 6/
@davidgura this is my attempt to apply W.V.O. Quine’s “explication by elimination” in the context of real politics. Lol
