Perspectives: Obama's 'Defund the Police' Remarks

Former President Barack Obama said in an interview Wednesday that political candidates who use "snappy slogans" such as "defund the police" risk alienating their base and jeopardizing their campaign goals on police reform. "Do you want to actually get something done, or do you want to feel good among the people you already agree with?" Obama said, arguing that Republicans used the slogan against Democrats during the election, causing Democrats to lose seats in the House. Democrat leaders including House Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) and Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) echoed Obama's remarks. Progressive leaders such as projected House election winners Cori Bush (D-Mo.) and Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) argued that messages like “defund the police” have been effective. Coverage from right-rated outlets tended to emphasize the pushback Obama's remarks received from progressive leaders. Some reports from left-rated outlets highlighted Democrats who agreed with Obama's position, and some analyzed Obama's history on criminal justice policy.