Conservative opposition to social safety nets is nothing new. But, as daycare costs continue to soar and the US Surgeon General warns that parents are dangerously overwhelmed, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle appear to agree that at least something needs to be done to help address the crisis.
Yet when faced with a simple question on the issue this week, Donald Trump and JD Vance stumbled profoundly, prompting many to wonder whether the Republican ticket had even bothered to think about child care affordability—again, one of the most acute problems facing the US economy—at all.
Just take a look. Here was Trump at the Economic Club of New York on Thursday, rambling through an incomprehensible, half-baked theory that foreign tariffs will solve the problem, easy-peasy—all while dodging the question of specific pieces of legislation he’d push to help make child care more affordable. Meanwhile, economists widely agree that sweeping tariffs would severely hurt world trade.
Also, relying on relatives is a way of circumventing freedom of movement. It keeps everyone in the same place, at the same low paying jobs, with no hope of improving their or their children’s situation in life. Which is also perfectly in line with the Republican playbook.
Didn’t even think of that, but you’re right. Not that there’s anything wrong with not wanting to leave your hometown, but when you literally can’t due to finances, that’s pretty fucked. Especially since moving to a larger or different city can open up so many opportunities.
As a personal example, I moved from a city with a lot of manufacturing to one with very little, and now I can’t find a job in my chosen field. Some other stuff has come up and I have relatively easy access to government financial aid, so I’ve decided to go back to college. So many others just don’t have that option so they’d be stuck in shitty or low-paying jobs.