By David Stout
A television writer couldn’t have scripted it better.
President Barack Obama, a longtime fan of the critically acclaimed HBO series The Wire, sat down with the show’s creator David Simon this week to speak frankly about America’s war on drugs and the perils of law enforcement.
Simon, a vociferous critic of the federal government’s drug policies, pulled no punches as he spoke with the President.
“What the drugs don’t destroy, the war against them tears apart,” said Simon.
Obama appeared receptive to Simon’s criticism and insisted that things were slowly improving in the country.
“The fact that we’ve got people talking about it in a smarter way, gives me a little [encouragement],” he said.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- How the Economy is Doing in the Swing States
- Harris Battles For the Bro Vote
- Our Guide to Voting in the 2024 Election
- Mel Robbins Will Make You Do It
- Why Vinegar Is So Good for You
- You Don’t Have to Dread the End of Daylight Saving
- The 20 Best Halloween TV Episodes of All Time
- Meet TIME's Newest Class of Next Generation Leaders
Contact us at letters@time.com