President Obama defended an NFL quarterback’s protest against the national anthem, saying he’s prompting more conversations about divisive issues.
Colin Kaepernick, a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, says he is refusing to stand during the national anthem at the beginning of football games in order to highlight the treatment of African-Americans by police officers. While Kaepernick has been criticized for the protest, Obama said Monday that he’s exercising a constitutional right.
“When it comes to the flag and the national anthem and the meaning that holds for our men and women in uniform and those who fought for us — that is a tough thing for them to get past,” Obama said, speaking after the conclusion of the G-20 Summit in China.
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“But I don’t doubt his sincerity,” Obama added. “I think he cares about some real, legitimate issues that have to be talked about. If nothing else, he’s generated more conversation about issues that have to be talked about.”
Kaepernick has said his protest isn’t intended to be anti-American, but rather to support “people who are oppressed.” Obama called Kaepernick’s actions “messy,” but said they’re “the way democracy works.”
“I’d rather have young people who are engaged in the argument and trying to think through how they can be part of our democratic process than people who are just sitting on the sidelines not paying attention at all,” Obama said.
