It will be quite the historical curiosity, I’m certain, that the 2020 Democratic Party of “defund the police” and Black Lives Matter nominated two people whose polices have directly and drastically increased the incarceration of African Americans. Biden famously led a decades-long legislative effort, culminating in his co-writing the 1994 crime bill that critics claim was the impetus for mass incarceration that disproportionately affects African Americans.

The problem with Harris wasn’t necessarily that she was a tough-on-crime attorney general — though, for any idealistic progressive, it should be — but rather that she was habitually abusing and expanding her power. Harris opposed California laws requiring her office investigate shootings involving officers — which sounds pretty topical to me. Harris also has a long history of unlawful convictions…

There is no power Harris has held that she hasn’t abused. And considering Biden’s age and questions about his cognitive abilities — issues already part of the presidential campaign — it’s likely that Harris’s record will hold more importance than the typical vice-presidential candidate. This will be especially so for those who still believe in basic small-l liberal ideals. To that end, there is a good chance that Harris will do more to motivate Republicans than excite Democrats.