Denounce Protesters Doing Trump's Work
The destructive elements of the “BLM” protests have receded but could reemerge and re-catalyze Trump’s campaign at any moment. Joe Biden and all Democrats should not only denounce violence, but should blame the unrest on Republicans.
By casting the violent protesters as part of the Trump campaign, perhaps even describing them as paid mercenaries or agents provocateurs, Democrats could turn this into a Sister Souljah moment.
Antifa, anarchists, or whoever and whatever is causing trouble couldn’t be more helpful to the Trump campaign if they were on his payroll. Which may well be the case. This would be a way of coming out against violence without disrespecting Black Lives Matter or progressives who support it.
In fact, even the peaceful protests don’t seem to be serving much purpose at this point. They do, however, annoy many people who support their cause. Democrats, including many local leaders who’ve surrendered to mindless destruction, should be blunt: Many protesters are simply, spoiled, narcissistic white kids who represent themselves, not justice, and they provide Trump with one of the few weapons he has in this campaign. It’s an ugly truth, and it might alienate some on the left, but it’s honest, blunt, and would resonate with those on the fence. Democrats.
Biden and the Democrats should call on protesters to focus their efforts on voter registration and organization. Their energy, commitment, and idealism are powerful forces, especially if they’re put to the best possible use.
Democrats who want to defeat Trump and take the Senate should make it clear that extremist elements of the protests are not looking to elect Democrats: they are interested in destruction and helping Republicans. They’ve made it clear that they have no use for Joe Biden — and Democrats should stop sucking up to them.
Certainly elements of the opposition right-wingers who sometimes confront them include Trump supporters — and possibly mercenaries and other activists trained in disruption.
If protests again arise as a national issue, Biden should call out both sides. In particular, he must denounce the destructive “activists” claiming to be representing BLM, and make clear that are harming their cause.
He has to isolate them from legitimate, peaceful protesters. If necessary, he should do it while standing alongside those who have suffered from police brutality and decry violence of any kind. They know what they need, and the destruction of their neighborhoods business districts isn’t it.