Right and left unite to condemn chokehold death… Does this create a political consensus to reform law enforcement’s treatment of African Americans?…Politically, there’s been one key difference between the reactions to the two recent decisions of grand juries not to indict white police officers for killing an unarmed black man. Unlike in Ferguson, conservatives have united with liberals to criticize the decision out of Staten Island, NY. Maybe the biggest reason for this unity: the videotape that exists of the killing…There were two notable exceptions, however: Rep. Michael Grimm (R-NY), who represents Staten Island, called the grand jury’s decision “fair and reasoned.” And GOP Rep. Peter King (R-NY) also defended it. But that was pretty much it. And in this era of increased polarization — especially when it comes to matters of race and law enforcement — it’s rare to see this kind of unity.
I’m glad to see Chuck Todd amend his initial, blanket statement by noting that Republicans Peter King and Michael Grimm were “two notable exceptions.” The problem is, Todd missed other “notable exceptions” (aside from Peter King and Michael Grimm) like:
Rand Paul Blames Cigarette Taxes For The Death Of Eric Garner
Republican Arizona Rep. Matt Salmon says the system worked and “justice was served”
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