One of the most politically ignored populations in America is the millions of people with disabilities. Hillary Clinton is working hard to change this. It was the focus of her speech in Orlando and in an op-ed in The New York Times, both on Wednesday. The Washington Post reports that it's a gambit to get the votes of the disabled and their families, somehow missing that this has been one of the focuses of Clinton's entire working life. But, please, WaPo, proceed.
With the race tighter than it was a month ago and Clinton struggling to generate enthusiasm within the Democratic base, her appeal to disabled people and their families comes amid a broader effort to win over voters. After weeks of mostly attacking Republican Donald Trump, she is highlighting specific policy prescriptions while trying to show a more compassionate side and present an affirmative vision for the country.
Clinton is also targeting Hispanics, women, caretakers of the elderly and sick, and families of gun-violence victims, among other constituencies focused on specific issues. In the case of the disability community, which cuts across all partisan and demographic divides, Clinton may be trying to attract not only—Democratic-leaning voters who are not excited by her candidacy, but also voters who may be leaning toward Trump—notably disabled veterans.
One very visible piece of the effort came Wednesday in a policy speech here devoted to initiatives to more fully integrate those with disabilities into the nation’s economy. It is an issue, Clinton said, that "really goes to the heart of who we are as Americans."
Yes, Clinton wants to be president. Yes, Clinton wants to appeal to these voters to help get her there. But this isn't some newfound issue for her, designed to get votes. And maybe, just maybe she wants to get to the White House to do work on the policies she talked about yesterday that would help the more than 53 million Americans with some form of disability integrate better into society, and end "the single greatest problem among people with physical and intellectual disabilities: extreme poverty." Everything in her résumé would suggest she's utterly sincere in this effort.
Does it hurt that this focus contrasts nicely with Donald Trump, best known on the issue for mocking a reporter with disabilities? Not at all, but that only functions to highlight Clinton's lifelong commitment to working for the disabled. Something the Post didn't find room to mention.
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