CNN anchor Dana Bash directly challenged Democratic Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong during a Friday interview, telling her she had failed to provide a straightforward answer about whether she still supports defunding the police.
The exchange occurred during CNN’s “Inside Politics” and centered on Hong’s past and current positions on law enforcement policy, a topic that has become a flashpoint in the Wisconsin governor’s race.
After a longer discussion about Hong’s views on policing, Bash attempted to pin down the candidate’s current stance. “I just want to, just to, sort of, put a fine point on it, you said your views can evolve, have your views actually evolved on defunding the police?” Bash asked.
Rather than offering a direct yes or no response, Hong pivoted to discussing recent events in her district and broader criminal justice concerns. She referenced a recent police shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, noting it was the third such incident to occur on Willy Street, which falls within her district.
“It’s difficult for me to think about what I would say to a mother who has lost their children to police violence,” Hong said. “But I know that we can change these systems that must be changed.”
Broader Criminal Justice Focus
Hong’s response expanded into a wide-ranging discussion of criminal justice reform priorities. She highlighted the mental health toll on prison workers, noting they experience “some of the highest suicide rates for any employment.”
The candidate also emphasized the need for dignity for incarcerated individuals and pointed to rehabilitation concerns, stating that “99% of incarcerated folks in our state will be going into community.” She argued for lowering recidivism rates and investing in mental health resources and opioid epidemic response efforts.
“I think that when we have a governor that believes in those things, we can achieve public safety,” Hong concluded.
Bash’s Direct Response
Following Hong’s extended answer, Bash made her assessment clear. “Okay. I didn’t hear a yes or a no there. But let’s move on,” the CNN host said, acknowledging the lack of a direct answer before moving to the next topic.
The exchange highlights the ongoing political challenge Democrats face regarding police funding. The “defund the police” movement gained prominence following the 2020 protests over police violence, but has since become politically contentious, with Republicans frequently using candidates’ past support for the slogan as a campaign attack line.
Many Democratic candidates have sought to clarify, walk back, or reframe their positions on police funding as public opinion data has shown mixed support for the concept, even as voters express concerns about both public safety and police accountability.
Hong’s decision to respond to a direct question about defunding police with a discussion of criminal justice reform broadly, rather than addressing the specific question, represents a familiar strategy among candidates navigating this political terrain. By focusing on systemic issues, mental health investment, and recidivism reduction, Hong avoided taking a clear position on whether police departments should receive less funding.
The Wisconsin gubernatorial race has drawn national attention as Democrats seek to hold or reclaim key governorships heading into the next election cycle. How candidates address policing and public safety has emerged as a defining issue in several competitive races across the country.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/07/31/cnns-bash-to-francesca-hong-youre-not-giving-clear-answer-on-defund-the-police/