Donald Trump's Call for 'Really Violent Day' Compared to 'The Purge'
NewsweekSep 24
Trump Suggests 'One Rough Hour' by Police Would End Crime
Above: Former Pres. Donald Trump at a Sept. 29 campaign rally in Erie, Pa. Image copyright: Dustin Franz/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Former Pres. Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, Sunday during a speech in Pennsylvania claimed "police aren't allowed to do their job" but if there was "one rough hour — and I mean real rough — the word will get out" and retail theft will "end immediately."
Trump suggested it's necessary to let the police get "rough" because criminals aren't facing consequences for hauling away appliances "on their back" because law enforcement officers are in danger of losing their pensions and other material things under "liberal left" criminal justice policies he tied to Kamala Harris.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
When Trump tries to talk policy the discussion frequently becomes rhetorical absurdity. His solution for every issue facing the country is a scheme that appeals to him and his base because of its simplicity. It's laughable that anyone thinks the tough-on-crime candidate in this election is, ironically, a convicted felon.
Republican narrative
When it comes to picking a candidate who's tough on crime, Trump is clearly the better choice than Kamala Harris. Keeping America safe should be the top priority of any president, and Trump's track record shows he knows how to empower law enforcement to get the job done — both on the streets and at the border.