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Democratic Primaries
In reply to the discussion: NYT Opinion: Kamala Harris Was Not a 'Progressive Prosecutor' [View all]ucrdem
(15,512 posts)96. Politifact California: Criminal justice reformer, or defender of the status quo? The record is mixed
This long article uses Bazelon as one of several scholarly sources, but doesn't question her facts. Instead it fact-checks Harris's own claims to have been a reforming prosecutor, and reaches the conclusion that while she introduced some commendable initiatives, she also avoided opportunities to make real progress. As for articles fact-checking Bazelon (author of the NYT piece in the OP), I haven't found any:
By Louis Jacobson, Chris Nichols on Tuesday, January 29th, 2019
We examined Harris record to see whether it supports the image shes crafted as a prosecutor, one who stands up for progressive principles. Through interviews with law professors, former prosecutors, political analysts and the candidates campaign, we found a mixed record.
On the one hand, Harris achieved some notable reform-minded victories, including efforts to reduce recidivism and eliminate bias in law enforcement. She also burnished her progressive credentials in 2004 with a controversial decision as district attorney not to seek the death penalty for a man suspected of killing a police officer.
At other times, Harris positions disappointed criminal-justice advocates, and thats becoming an issue in the Democratic presidential primary.
(skip to conclusion)
As her presidential campaign continues, so will the scrutiny. Looking at the question of whether Harris was truly a champion for criminal justice reform or a silent ally of the status quo, theres no simple answer. The record is complex and, in places, includes contradictions. Our examination shows its a mixed record.
https://www.politifact.com/california/article/2019/jan/29/kamala-harris-criminal-justice-reformer-or-defende/
We examined Harris record to see whether it supports the image shes crafted as a prosecutor, one who stands up for progressive principles. Through interviews with law professors, former prosecutors, political analysts and the candidates campaign, we found a mixed record.
On the one hand, Harris achieved some notable reform-minded victories, including efforts to reduce recidivism and eliminate bias in law enforcement. She also burnished her progressive credentials in 2004 with a controversial decision as district attorney not to seek the death penalty for a man suspected of killing a police officer.
At other times, Harris positions disappointed criminal-justice advocates, and thats becoming an issue in the Democratic presidential primary.
(skip to conclusion)
As her presidential campaign continues, so will the scrutiny. Looking at the question of whether Harris was truly a champion for criminal justice reform or a silent ally of the status quo, theres no simple answer. The record is complex and, in places, includes contradictions. Our examination shows its a mixed record.
https://www.politifact.com/california/article/2019/jan/29/kamala-harris-criminal-justice-reformer-or-defende/
If I were to vote in a presidential
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
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I read this when it first came out, and it's not really a smear job, but leaves out...
TreasonousBastard
Jul 2019
#1
How do you fully trust someone who "let it play out" by fighting to keep innocent people in prison?
Jake Stern
Jul 2019
#3
I'm not gonna go that far, but, it doesn't matter...Kamala's not going to be the Democratic nominee.
InAbLuEsTaTe
Jul 2019
#23
Yes, Kamala is probably also out for VP consideration. Not sure though Joe
InAbLuEsTaTe
Jul 2019
#41
Sorry, but some very serious concerns here and this article not the first or last to raise them.NT
emmaverybo
Jul 2019
#72
When she was a prosecutor, she wasn't progressive by DU STANDARDS, but I can believe
pnwmom
Jul 2019
#10
She had a scheme to criminally prosecute parents of chronically absent elementary school students.
ucrdem
Jul 2019
#14
She didn't have a "scheme" to criminally prosecute these parents. She successfully
pnwmom
Jul 2019
#24
I don't think ANY prosecutor could be progressive by DU standards, by definitions
StarfishSaver
Jul 2019
#22
I agree, StarfishSaver. I also think that having been a prosecutor is a part of her resume
pnwmom
Jul 2019
#25
She IS a progressive. But she's not 100% pure progressive, and that's what most of DU expects.
pnwmom
Jul 2019
#29
She is the #3 most progressive Senator in the Senate, and she was as progressive
pnwmom
Jul 2019
#38
Biden wrote regressive regulations into the crime bill which tied prosecutors' hands
bigtree
Jul 2019
#42
article says, her deputies knew and she went to court to keep the convictions in tact
questionseverything
Jul 2019
#94
illegal prosecutions are not what normal prosecutors do..at least i hope not
questionseverything
Jul 2019
#57
Okay, thanks for this. Now I have to decide whether she can run an entire country.
YOHABLO
Jul 2019
#9
Aloha, Cha and Mahalo for pointing this important fact out. Booker and Harris have "brought it
emmaverybo
Jul 2019
#74
It's an opinion piece published 7 months ago. The information at the sources the op-ed writer cites
lapucelle
Jul 2019
#33
The program is 54 minutes long. Did you read the news stories that she linked to? N/T
lapucelle
Jul 2019
#60
California's governor should allow more sensitive DNA testing, Kamala Harris said
bigtree
Jul 2019
#70
She admits in her own letter she refused to allow advanced DNA testing "her entire time"
ucrdem
Jul 2019
#78
Kevin Cooper is not a good example to push for DNA testing. I will allow that if she was thoroughly
emmaverybo
Jul 2019
#82