Demings provides insight into racism and police reform

Demings is well-positioned to help Biden on two key issues facing the nation as he heads into the election: Racism and police reform. Demings’ background and upbringing resonate with voters because she emulates the “American dream”. In an interview, she describes “being brought up poor, black and female in the South and being told enough times what I couldn’t do and what I couldn’t be.”^[1] But, she overcame these obstacles and went on to become the police chief in Orlando, Florida in 2007 and is now a member of Congress. Her personal experience makes her a strong candidate to lead the charge in overcoming systemic racism in America. As a former police chief, Demings would bring a law and order element to Biden’s campaign.^[1] This is especially relevant because Trump has repeatedly criticised Biden for being weak on crime. Professor of political science, Sharon Austin explains that “her law enforcement background can benefit the Biden campaign if she’s chosen because of her knowledge of policing practices and the types of reforms that are needed.”^[2] Demings' insight into the Minority American experience and her knowledge fo the law enforcement system positions her well for Vice President because these are two key issues that the incoming administration will be dealing with when they take office.