Demings provides insight into racism and police reform

The argument

Demings is well-positioned to help Biden on two key issues facing the nation as he heads into the election: Racism and police reform. Demings’ background and upbringing resonate with voters because she emulates the “American dream”. In an interview, she describes “being brought up poor, black and female in the South and being told enough times what I couldn’t do and what I couldn’t be.” But, she overcame these obstacles and went on to become the police chief in Orlando, Florida in 2007 and is now a member of Congress. Her personal experience makes her a strong candidate to lead the charge in overcoming systemic racism in America. As a former police chief, Demings would bring a law and order element to Biden’s campaign. This is especially relevant because Trump has repeatedly criticised Biden for being weak on crime. Professor of political science, Sharon Austin explains that “her law enforcement background can benefit the Biden campaign if she’s chosen because of her knowledge of policing practices and the types of reforms that are needed.” Demings' insight into the Minority American experience and her knowledge fo the law enforcement system positions her well for Vice President because these are two key issues that the incoming administration will be dealing with when they take office.

Premises

Counter-arguments

Demings’ tenure as police chief is also a problem, though, as her handling of police brutality has been widely criticized. Progressive Democrats will be especially wary about her ability to lead a national police reform campaign given her record of deafening her own officers in cases brought against them of police brutality. The worry is that as a former police chief she will put off would-be voters. Secondly, unlike most of Biden’s other candidates for VP such as Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris, Demings has not had a significant impact in congress beyond her role in Trump’s impeachment trial. She has not been the face of any major legislation, so may struggle to offer much beyond her policing background. This highlights another issue of picking Demings for VP: she does not have the relevant political experience that Biden wants and needs. Biden wants someone who is ready to go on Day One of his Presidency, and Demings has not proven her ability to do so.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P1] Not in dispute, and it concerns the national agenda rather than any particular candidate — so it cannot help select between them. [Rejecting P2] Personal experience of racism confers standing to speak about it, which is not the same as the capacity to change institutions. The premise moves from biography to policy credibility without the intervening step. [Rejecting P3] The policing background cuts both ways and the premise counts only one side. Her record as chief has drawn criticism over the handling of force complaints, which is precisely the ground on which a national reform brief would be contested. [Rejecting C] 'Best pick' is comparative and the argument assesses one candidate in isolation. It also passes over what such a selection is usually weighed on — legislative record, governing experience and electoral reach — where the premises offer nothing.