West Coast Voters Frustrated with Progressive DAs: Mike Schmidt Recalled in Portland, Pamela Price Faces Backlash in Alameda County

Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon United States of America
Mike Schmidt was defeated by Nathan Vasquez in the Portland district attorney race.
Reformers accuse critics of seizing on post-pandemic challenges to ‘scapegoat’ progressives on public safety.
Similar voter frustration has emerged against Pamela Price in Alameda County and George Gascón in Los Angeles.
Voters in deep-blue metro areas along the West Coast are expressing frustration with more lenient approaches to crime.
West Coast Voters Frustrated with Progressive DAs: Mike Schmidt Recalled in Portland, Pamela Price Faces Backlash in Alameda County

Title: Why Progressive District Attorneys are Facing Backlash on the West Coast

Lead: Progressive district attorneys in deep-blue metro areas along the West Coast, including Portland, Oregon and San Francisco, California, are facing voter backlash due to more lenient approaches to crime.

Background: In recent years, progressive district attorneys have been elected in major cities across the United States with a focus on criminal justice reforms. However, as crime rates have risen and public safety concerns have grown, voters in some areas are expressing frustration with these more lenient approaches.

In Portland, Oregon, Mike Schmidt was defeated by Nathan Vasquez in the May 2024 district attorney race. Vasquez promised to be tough on crime and end open air drug dealing and drug use. Schmidt had previously supported Measure 110, a ballot measure that decriminalized the possession of small amounts of drugs, but state lawmakers rolled back the law this year.

Similar voter frustration has emerged against Pamela Price in Alameda County and George Gascón in Los Angeles. Reformers accuse critics of seizing on post-pandemic challenges to 'scapegoat' progressives on public safety.

Facts:

  1. Mike Schmidt was defeated by Nathan Vasquez in the Portland district attorney race.
  2. Voters in deep-blue metro areas along the West Coast are expressing frustration with more lenient approaches to crime.
  3. Similar voter frustration has emerged against Pamela Price in Alameda County and George Gascón in Los Angeles.
  4. Reformers accuse critics of seizing on post-pandemic challenges to 'scapegoat' progressives on public safety.

Topics: progressive DAs, voters, West Coast, Portland area, Mike Schmidt, recall ouster, Pamela Price, Los Angeles George Gascón


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Confidence

90%

Doubts
  • None at this time.
  • The article mentions state lawmakers rolling back Measure 110, but it does not provide a source for this information.

Sources

79%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Why progressive DAs are losing their grip on the West Coast

Politico News Site Name: POLITICO Full Legal Name of News Site: Politico LLC Location of News Site: Washington D.C., USA Thursday, 23 May 2024 00:00
  • Unique Points
    • Mike Schmidt, the progressive District Attorney of Portland, was defeated by Nathan Vasquez in the recent election.
    • Voters in deep-blue metro areas along the West Coast are expressing frustration with more lenient approaches to crime.
    • Chesa Boudin, a progressive district attorney in San Francisco, was recalled last year.
    • Similar voter frustration has emerged against Pamela Price in Alameda and George Gascón in Los Angeles.
  • Accuracy
    • Mike Schmidt, a progressive prosecutor in Portland, lost the election to Nathan Vasquez.
    • ,
  • Deception (30%)
    The article contains selective reporting and emotional manipulation. The author focuses on the defeats of progressive DAs in Portland and San Francisco, implying that this is a trend across the West Coast. However, they do not mention any victories or successes of progressive DAs in other areas. This selective reporting creates a biased narrative that may mislead readers into believing that progressive DAs are universally losing support. Additionally, the author uses emotional language to describe voter frustration and growing impatience with aspects of the progressive mantra on crime, which can manipulate readers' emotions and influence their perception of the issue.
    • But this week’s district attorney election in the ultra-liberal Portland area made it clear the sentiment isn’t a one-off.
    • Voters in urban centers like San Francisco, Portland, Los Angeles and Oakland now appear to have grown impatient with aspects of the progressive mantra about restorative justice.
    • The trend started with the 2022 recall ouster of San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, which criminal justice reformers once labeled a pandemic-induced anomaly unlikely to repeat in other liberal-leaning bastions.
  • Fallacies (80%)
    The article contains several instances of Appeals to Authority and Hasty Generalizations. The author uses quotes from political strategist Jim Ross and Kanishka Cheng to support the idea that progressive prosecutors are facing backlash on the West Coast. However, these quotes do not provide sufficient evidence to make a definitive statement about all progressive prosecutors in liberal cities. Additionally, the author makes several hasty generalizations about voters in urban centers like San Francisco, Portland, Los Angeles and Oakland based on the outcomes of recent elections. These fallacies bring down the score from a potential 100.
    • The shift comes as major cities have, to varying degrees, struggled with similar issues: sprawling homeless tent encampments, surging fentanyl overdose deaths and concerns about brazen theft. In the San Francisco Bay Area, moderate advocacy groups heavily funded by wealthy tech investors have spent millions criticizing the progressive approach to criminal justice reform – and to oust Boudin.
    • ,
  • Bias (95%)
    The article expresses a clear bias towards the idea that progressive DAs are losing their grip on the West Coast due to voter frustration with more lenient approaches to crime. The author uses phrases like 'voter backlash', 'frustration with more lenient approaches to crime', and 'growing impatient' to convey this bias. The article also quotes several individuals who express similar sentiments, such as Jim Ross and Kanishka Cheng.
    • But reformers like Cristine Soto DeBerry accuse critics of seizing on post-pandemic challenges nationwide to ‘scapegoat’ progressives on public safety.
      • The trend started with the 2022 recall ouster of San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, which criminal justice reformers once labeled a pandemic-induced anomaly unlikely to repeat in other liberal-leaning bastions.
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication

      89%

      The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
      (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

      A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

      The White House to the left: We told you so on crime

      Politico News Site Name: POLITICO Full Legal Name of News Site: Politico LLC Location of News Site: Washington D.C., USA Thursday, 23 May 2024 00:00
      • Unique Points
        • The defeat of a liberal Portland prosecutor to a tough-on-crime challengor has led top White House officials to believe that Democrats need to distance themselves further from their left flank on law-and-order issues.
        • , President Biden’s aides argue that the results of the Portland election serve as validation of their concerns that crime and an immigration crisis at the southern border risk overwhelming Biden’s case for reelection.
        • , The White House is banking on voters rewarding them for public efforts to crack down on immigration and boost spending on law enforcement.
        • , Biden has warned advisers that scenes of chaos at the border or crime in cities pose an increasing political danger, potentially turning off independent and suburban voters.
        • , Rep. Susie Lee (D-Nev.) stated that Democrats should respond to public safety concerns.
        • , White House officials claim Biden isn’t just making rhetorical adjustments but has substantive accomplishments to run on, such as statistics showing steep drops in murder rates across the country.
      • Accuracy
        • President Joe Biden’s aides argue that the results of the Portland election serve as validation of their concerns that crime and an immigration crisis at the southern border risk overwhelming Biden’s case for reelection.
        • The White House is banking on voters rewarding them for public efforts to crack down on immigration and boost spending on law enforcement.
        • Biden has warned advisers that scenes of chaos at the border or crime in cities pose an increasing political danger, potentially turning off independent and suburban voters.
      • Deception (70%)
        The article contains editorializing and selective reporting. The author uses phrases like 'hardened a view among top White House officials' and 'banking on the idea' to editorialize. The article also selectively reports information by focusing on the defeat of a liberal prosecutor in Oregon and quotes from Biden officials, while ignoring counterarguments or alternative perspectives. For example, there is no mention of opposition to Biden's tough-on-crime stance from Black lawmakers or progressive Democrats.
        • The defeat of a liberal Portland prosecutor at the hands of a tough-on-crime challenger has hardened a view among top White House officials
        • The White House is banking on the idea that voters will reward them for public efforts to crack down on immigration and boost spending on law enforcement
      • Fallacies (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Bias (90%)
        The article expresses a clear bias towards law and order issues and distancing from the left flank of the Democratic party. The author does not directly quote anyone expressing bias but repeatedly mentions White House officials' concerns about crime and an immigration crisis at the southern border risking Biden's reelection. The article also implies that Democrats need to adopt a 'sensible approach' and 'well-meaning ideas have gone too far.' These statements suggest a bias against progressive policies and ideologies.
        • But Biden has not needed much convincing, having personally favored an approach that emphasizes more traditional support for law enforcement alongside criminal justice reforms[
          • Inside the West Wing, senior counselor Steve Ricchetti has been among the leading voices making this case, while also advocating for more toughness on the border[
            • ]The defeat of a liberal Portland prosecutor at the hands of a tough-on-crime challenger[
              • The emphasis has angered some Democrats, including lawmakers who believe that the president’s approach on immigration will establish a border-enforcement-only posture as the starting ground for any type of legislative compromise[
                • White House officials contend that Biden isn’t just making rhetorical adjustments but has substantive accomplishments to run on, too, pointing to statistics showing steep drops in murder rates across the country
                • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication

                92%

                The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                Voters Oust Progressive Prosecutor in Portland

                The Name Of The NZ Prefix. I PWA NZI.P.Was Dropped. Mike Baker Wednesday, 22 May 2024 23:58
                • Unique Points
                  • Mike Schmidt backed an effort to partially roll back Oregon’s drug decriminalization law.
                  • Nathan Vasquez promised to take a more aggressive approach to law enforcement than Schmidt.
                • Accuracy
                  • Nathan Vasquez blamed Mike Schmidt for Portland’s recent problems with drugs and crime during a debate.
                  • Homicides and overdoses soared in Portland during Schmidt’s tenure as prosecutor.
                  • Car thefts dropped rapidly and homicides were coming down from record highs in the last year under Schmidt’s leadership.
                • Deception (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Fallacies (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Bias (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication

                98%

                The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                Why progressive DAs are clinging to survival

                Politico News Site Name: POLITICO Full Legal Name of News Site: Politico LLC Location of News Site: Washington D.C., USA Thursday, 23 May 2024 00:00
                • Unique Points
                  • Reformers accuse critics of seizing on post-pandemic challenges to ‘scapegoat’ progressives on public safety.
                  • Similar voter frustration has emerged in California, where Pamela Price is facing a recall and George Gascón is fighting for reelection.
                • Accuracy
                  • ]The shift in public sentiment comes as major cities have struggled with issues such as homelessness[/.
                  • Voters in deep-blue metro areas along the West Coast are expressing frustration with more lenient approaches to crime[.
                  • Similar voter frustration has emerged against Pamela Price in Alameda and George Gascón in Los Angeles[.
                • Deception (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Fallacies (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Bias (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication

                97%

                The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                Centrist challenger ousts progressive prosecutor in DA race in Portland, Oregon

                ABC NEWS SITE NAMES Name: ABC News Site Names URL: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-officially-blames-iran_106834435 ABC News Thursday, 23 May 2024 16:13
                • Unique Points
                  • Nathan Vasquez has won the DA race in Multnomah County, Oregon
                  • Vasquez received over 50% of the votes in the nonpartisan primary election
                  • Mike Schmidt conceded defeat to Vasquez
                  • Vasquez has promised to be tough on crime and end open air drug dealing and drug use
                  • Schmidt was elected in 2020 with a focus on criminal justice reforms
                  • Vasquez denounced Schmidt's policies such as not prosecuting protesters arrested during the 2020 demonstrations for low-level offenses and his past support of Measure 110, a ballot measure that decriminalized the possession of small amounts of drugs
                  • State lawmakers rolled back Measure 110 this year and restored criminal penalties for personal use possession
                  • Vasquez has been a prosecutor in the district attorney’s office for over 20 years, before taking office, he had served as a deputy district attorney for Multnomah County and led the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission
                • Accuracy
                  • Nathan Vasquez has promised to be tough on crime and end open air drug dealing and drug use
                  • Mike Schmidt was elected in 2020 with a focus on criminal justice reforms
                  • Vasquez denounced Schmidt’s policies such as not prosecuting protesters arrested during the 2020 demonstrations for low-level offenses and his past support of Measure 110, a ballot measure that decriminalized the possession of small amounts of drugs
                  • Schmidt launched initiatives to review wrongful convictions and prison sentences, and focused prosecutions on violent crime rather than low-level offenses
                • Deception (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Fallacies (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Bias (95%)
                  The author of the article, ABC News, demonstrates a clear bias towards the centrist candidate Nathan Vasquez in their reporting. The author highlights Vasquez's campaign promises to be tough on crime and his endorsements from police groups multiple times. In contrast, they only briefly mention Schmidt's policies and accomplishments as district attorney, focusing primarily on his decision not to prosecute protesters during the 2020 demonstrations and his support for decriminalizing drug possession. The author also mentions the rollback of the decriminalization law, which Schmidt supported, but does not mention that it was a response to one of the nation's largest spikes in overdose fatalities. This bias is further demonstrated by the author's use of language such as 'setbacks for progressive DAs' and 'frustrations over public safety and homelessness have risen.'
                  • Amid one of the nation’s largest spikes in overdose fatalities, state lawmakers this year ended up rolling back the first-in-the-nation law and restoring criminal penalties for so-called ‘personal use’ possession. Schmidt supported reinstating the penalties.
                    • Centrist district attorney candidate Nathan Vasquez has ousted the incumbent progressive prosecutor in Oregon’s Multnomah County, home to Portland, after running a campaign in which he vowed to be tough on crime.
                      • One of District Attorney Mike Schmidt’s deputies, Vasquez was endorsed by several police groups.
                        • The author's use of language such as 'setbacks for progressive DAs' and 'frustrations over public safety and homelessness have risen.'
                          • The voters have made it clear that they are ready to take our county in a new and safer direction.
                            • Vasquez said Schmidt conceded the election when they spoke on Wednesday afternoon. In a post on his campaign’s Facebook page, he thanked Schmidt for his service and said he was grateful for the support he received from voters.
                            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                              None Found At Time Of Publication
                            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                              None Found At Time Of Publication