Progressive Dems fire back at Obama after he criticizes 'Defund the police' movement

Progressive Democrats took aim at former President Barack Obama after he argued that political candidates alienate voters when they use "snappy" slogans such as "defund the police."

Obama made the comments during an interview with Peter Hamby on the Snapchat original political show "Good Luck America" that aired Wednesday morning. 

"You lost a big audience the minute you say it, which makes it a lot less likely that you're actually going to get the changes you want done," Obama said. "The key is deciding, do you want to actually get something done, or do you want to feel good among the people you already agree with?"

His comments drew a sharp rebuke from several progressive Democrats.
 

We lose people in the hands of police. It’s not a slogan but a policy demand. And centering the demand for equitable investments and budgets for communities across the country gets us progress and safety. https://t.co/Vu6inw4ms7

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) December 2, 2020

"We lose people in the hands of police," Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., shot back. "It’s not a slogan but a policy demand. And centering the demand for equitable investments and budgets for communities across the country gets us progress and safety."

Other members of the so-called "Squad" joined Omar in pushing back against Obama's comments.