From the last several electoral cycles to the recent Democratic National Convention to the debate stage, we’ve seen prominent Democrats champion care as key to their economic agenda. Simultaneously, we’ve also seen Democrats up and down the ballot reclaiming the concept of freedom – co-opted since the 1980s by those on the other side of the aisle – as the animating framework for their demands on issues from housing to reproductive rights.
There is little doubt that “freedom” and “care” are now defining values and narrative frames of the mainstream Democratic Party. Vice President Harris opened and closed her acceptance speech for the Democratic nomination for president by outlining a 21st century progressive version of freedom. The selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Harris’ running mate is further proof that care is a priority: Walz’s signature legislative accomplishments include guaranteed paid family and medical leave for workers, investments of over $1 billion dollars for childcare, and a whopping $545 million in new child tax credits to Minnesota parents.
The movement of economic freedom and care issues into the mainstream of political debate did not just happen magically; it is due in large part to the grassroots organizing, public education, and policy campaigns that Community Change Action has advanced in concert with our local partners and national allies. To maintain this momentum – and the energy and enthusiasm for the Harris-Walz ticket – Community Change Voters and our grassroots partners are doing our part to persuade and mobilize our base of infrequent Black, brown, AAPI, women, and young voters, keep them connected to long-term power building, and advance our goal of abolishing poverty in the United States.
Read on to see how we are working to ensure the voices of those who have the most at stake are heard on November 5.
