The National Guard’s deployment in Washington, D.C., has sparked a debate among Democrats and Republicans. While Democrats have noted that violent crime in D.C. has decreased, Republicans argue that voters are still concerned about crime. Democratic strategist Mike Nellis warns that Democrats should not take the bait, as they could still feel strongly about crime even as statistics show improvement in metropolitan areas like D.C., opening Democrats up to easy attacks from the GOP. Polls show Republicans have the upper hand on the crime issue, with 40% of voters comparing the party’s views on crime to how it framed inflation under the Biden administration. Democrats are also encouraging incumbents and candidates to emphasize their own record on combatting crime. Republicans argue that Democrats are automatically defined by progressive members of their party who have called for defunding the police, and that Democrats should never lecture anyone about law and order.
Trump’s move to Washington, D.C. prompts Democrats to reassess their approach to crime. Enilsa Brown 22
