This article does a good job pointing out the inherently illogical argument at the core of the Trump/Pence “law and Order” claim in favor of their re-election. They point to lawlessness occurring now as something that will happen if Biden is elected. nytimes.com/2020/08/27/us/…
There is, of course, more to their re-election claim: That Trump can’t stop what’s happening now because Democrats control the cities. That electing Biden will make things even worse. But the claim still isn’t logical. 
In addition to the lack of logic, the re-election claim also misses something important--something that I hope the media coverage of the claim can add:
Sending in the National Guard and big federal interventions like Operation Legend probably aren't going to be very effective.
Sending in the National Guard and big federal interventions like Operation Legend probably aren't going to be very effective.
People are protesting in the streets because of disproportionate law enforcement behavior.
Having the National Guard tear gas protestors is likely to make things worse, not better.
Having the National Guard tear gas protestors is likely to make things worse, not better.
As for the increase in shootings in American cities, the cause of that increase is complicated & still probably unknown.
But it isn't as though local officials had stopped enforcing their gun laws. So just having federal officials make arrests isn't likely to help much.
But it isn't as though local officials had stopped enforcing their gun laws. So just having federal officials make arrests isn't likely to help much.
I know that appeals to "law and order" are probably more about appealing to people's fear of crime--especially the fears of white suburbanites.
But that's why it's probably even more important to question not only the logic of the re-election claim, but also their crime strategy.
But that's why it's probably even more important to question not only the logic of the re-election claim, but also their crime strategy.
Because I do think that people's views about crime can change and become more nuanced.
When they are prompted to think about what *causes* criminal behavior--rather than just the behavior itself--people can often see that other, less punitive responses can be more effective.
When they are prompted to think about what *causes* criminal behavior--rather than just the behavior itself--people can often see that other, less punitive responses can be more effective.
