#Why won’t Democrats listen to blacks about defunding cops?

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“Defund the police” is a radical position that most people, including a vast majority of African Americans, don’t agree with.
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Talk about out-of-touch pols. According to a new Gallup survey, nearly nine out of 10 respondents — and more than eight of 10 African Americans — oppose having police spend less time in their areas. Yet Democratic politicians have been racing to “defund the police” all the same.

The survey found 19 percent of the public wants cops to spend more time in their areas; 67 percent are OK with their current presence. Only 14 percent want fewer cops.

It’s similar for African Americans: 20 percent want more cops; 61 percent are good with the current level. Just 19 percent prefer cops to spend less time in their areas.

Among Hispanics, 83 percent want the same or more policing.

It’s easy to understand why: Minority groups are the overwhelming victims of crime. Take away cops and they’re the ones who’ll suffer most. In the city, 88 percent of murder and non-negligent manslaughter victims were black or Hispanic last year — as were 74 percent of rape victims.

People want better policing, the poll also shows — with respect and diligence. But that’s not “defunding,” as Democrats across the country have proposed. It’s not slashing the NYPD budget by $1 billion, as Mayor Bill de Blasio has done. It’s not “redirecting” funds, as Joe Biden has said. If anything, it’s more money for better training.

It doesn’t take a criminologist to see that fewer cops — and fewer resources for them — mean less safety, more crime and more victims.

Americans clearly know that. Why not Dems?