It was reported yesterday that Governor Josh Stein signed into law the crime bill that arose in response to the Charlotte Light Rail murder. He was clearly reluctant based on his public comments and the amount of time he took to sign it.
This might seem different than what many of the democratic socialists are doing nationwide. But we must view everything Stein does through the prism of his prodigious political ambition. He doubtless calculates this veto will position him for whatever political future he envisions for himself by adopting a more “moderate” posture.
Mike Slater has an excellent video that discusses the Charlotte light rail murder and the larger issue of urban crime. Watch as much as you can, and skip around if you see fit:
Stein’s first impulse would have been to veto the bill but he had a check reality that his veto would be overridden so he took the easy way out. He would of course have wished that it never was passed and leave the cashless bail in place.
That was unquestionably his wish, Fred.
I just wonder, though. There is a dearth of moderates in the national Democratic Party, and a very weak bench for future national candidates. I wonder if Stein is positioning himself. I don’t see him as possessing the attributes of a strong national candidate, but given the party’s circumstances, and his own history, I don’t doubt him trying to build a resume.