During a recent Wisconsin legislative committee hearing, Eric Alexander, representing the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth, advocated for a bill to limit life sentences for juvenile offenders. When asked about President Biden’s criminal justice record compared to Trump’s, Alexander pointedly praised Trump’s First Step Act, emphasizing its role in offering second chances to incarcerated individuals. He expressed doubt that a Biden administration would prioritize such reforms, emphasizing the importance of not discarding the potential of young offenders.
A Stark Comparison Between Joe Biden and Donald Trump
While acknowledging Trump‘s unexpected role in criminal justice reform, Alexander criticized Biden for failing to fulfill his promises in this regard. Despite Biden’s progressive platform and pledges to enact significant reforms, little substantial change has occurred. The federal prison population has even slightly increased under his administration, with the Justice Department pursuing death penalties and focusing on minor marijuana offenses rather than systemic reform.
Biden, once associated with the harsh 1994 crime bill, faces pressure to address his administration’s inaction on criminal justice reform. With the upcoming election looming, there’s an urgent need for him to take bold measures, such as reforming the clemency process and issuing executive orders where possible. Ignoring these issues poses a greater risk politically and ethically, as highlighted by Alexander’s advocacy for real action in addressing systemic flaws within the criminal justice system.
