The “Defund the police” movement is catching on in leftist activist circles. But most Democratic politicians aren’t willing to go near it — with good reason.
The idea that we should defund our police departments and reallocate their resources to other parts of the community, such as healthcare and education, is wildly unpopular among a majority of the public, according to a poll released last week. More than 60% of participants said they opposed the movement, even “if the money is shifted to programs related to mental health, housing, and education.”
This isn’t surprising. Our police officers are still held in high esteem by most people, even if there is a growing consensus that law enforcement is in desperate need of reform. And the failure by “Defund the police” activists to propose a reasonable alternative to the essential services law enforcement provides — emergency responses, crisis management, etc. — has understandably left the public wary of the movement.
Take, for example, Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender’s response to a very basic question: Without the police, who should residents call for help?
“Yes, I mean, I hear that loud and clear from a lot of my neighbors,” Bender replied. “And I know that that comes from a place of privilege. Because for those of us for whom the system is working, I think, need to step back and imagine what it would feel like to already live in that reality where calling the police may mean more harm is done.”
According to Bender, the protection of our lives, liberty, and property is a “privilege” rather than a fundamental right. And it’s clear from the language used by these activists that they will not stop until law enforcement is abolished completely. So, it’s no wonder the public sees the “Defund the police” movement for what it is: an unrealistic attempt to hijack the system and burn it to the ground.
Which is why Democrats are distancing themselves from the movement. After initially vocalizing support for the “spirit” of “Defund the police,” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer backtracked and said she would not support attempts to defund the state’s police departments. And, most notably, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders rejected “Defund the police” and advocated for more funding for police departments.
“Do I think we should not have police departments in America? No, I don’t. There’s no city in the world that does not have police departments,” Sanders said. “I think we want to redefine what police departments do, give them the support they need to make their jobs better defined. So I do believe that we need well-trained, well-educated, and well-paid professionals in police departments. Anyone who thinks that we should abolish all police departments in America, I don’t agree.”
Perhaps, if public opinion wasn’t so strongly opposed to “Defund the police,” Democrats would feel differently. But it’s clear that this movement is a nonstarter for the Democratic Party, especially if it hopes to win in November.
