Trending Topics

The Good, Bad, and the Very Ugly: Reactions to President Obama’s Address at Dallas Memorial

epa05422171 US President Barack Obama speaks during the Interfaith Tribute to Dallas Fallen Officers at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas, USA, 12 July 2016. Five Dallas police officers died after an ambush assault by a gunman during a protest rally in Dallas on 07 July. EPA/LARRY W. SMITH EPA ELX22 USA DALLAS SHOOTING

US President Barack Obama speaks during the Interfaith Tribute to Dallas Fallen Officers at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas, USA, 12 July 2016. Five Dallas police officers died after an ambush assault by a gunman during a protest rally in Dallas on 07 July. EPA/LARRY W. SMITH EPA ELX22 USA DALLAS SHOOTING

On Tuesday, July 12, Pres. Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, former Pres. George Bush, and others gathered to honor the lives of five Dallas police officers killed in a deadly ambush last week. The solemn memorial service was dotted with sentiments of sympathy and honor, as the president delivered an emotion-filled address in memory of the fallen officers.

“I understand how Americans are feeling,” he said. “But Dallas, I’m here to say we must reject such despair. I’m here to insist that we are not as divided as we seem. And I know that because I know America. I know how far we’ve come against impossible odds.”

Not everyone was pleased with his speech, however.

While he commemorated the lives of the slain officers, Obama also made sure to address the persistent issue of strained race relations in America. Some felt that it was a “distasteful” move on his part, accusing the president of pushing his own agenda instead of honoring the cops. Other praised Obama for being unafraid to address the issues, instead of sweeping them under the rug.

Here’s a list of the good, bad, and ugliest reactions to Pres. Obama’s speech.

The Good:

The Bad:

The Ugly:

Back to top