By Ja'han Jones Kamala Harris’ messaging on the importance of investing in caregivers is perfectly tailored to woo young and senior voters alike. This was clear during the vice president’s campaign speech at the Economic Club of Pittsburgh when she delivered a moving pitch endorsing paid leave for caregivers of children and aging adults. Because older adults are one of the fastest-growing groups in the United States , the need for elder care is only going to increase in the decades to come.
Harris’ framing — about elder care being a matter of dignity — was powerfully intimate, and likely relatable to the large and increasing number of people , including many young people , who care for older loved ones. After referencing the “sandwich generation,” the group of Americans who provide care for young children and older adults at once, she told her family’s story. Harris said: I have a personal experience with caregiving.
I remember being there for my mother when she was diagnosed with cancer. Cooking meals for her. Taking her to her appointments.
Trying to make her comfortable. Figuring out which clothes were soft enough that they wouldn’t irritate her. And telling her stories to try and make her laugh.
I know caregiving is about dignity. It really is. And when we lower the cost, and ease the burdens people face, we will not only make it then easier for them to meet their obligations as caregivers, we will also make it more possible for them to go to work and pu.