Opinion: Tim Walz and JD Vance have a chance to spotlight fatherhood during VP debate
As we look to the upcoming vice presidential debate on Oct. 1, the spotlight on leadership and family values has never been more intense. Amidst the political discourse, Tim Walz stands out with his unique blend of charisma and paternal devotion. His "Big Dad Energy" is not just a catchy phrase; it embodies a profound commitment to fatherhood and mentorship that resonates deeply with families across America.
An emotionally moved Walz was awash with the affection and admiration of his children and the rousing response of the audience as he addressed the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 22. As his daughter threw up "heart hands," his son tearfully shouted to the crowd " That's my dad." Walz's "big dad energy" was on full display.
Meanwhile, the potential First Gentleman, Douglas Emhoff, used his fatherhood role and commitment to family to package his support for Vice President Harris' Presidential bid in his speech the night before. On the Republican ticket, JD Vance also talks fondly of his children and often references his love of family and the important role that they play in his life.
No 'roasted Fluffy.' Haitians aren't eating cats in Springfield.
The office of vice president has not in recent history seemed so adjacent to the fatherhood role as it is in this election cycle. That reflects how fatherhood has become more encompassing.
Black fathers lead paradigm shift toward nurturing activities
These days, more fathers are engaging in changing diapers, floor-play, feeding babies, late night soothing, reading bedtime stories and other nurturing childcare activities than before, and Black fathers lead in this paradigm shift. In fact more men today define themselves based on their attachment to their children.
Fathers are important to the fabric of any society and are a critical support system to families. And that's exactly why fathers need their own support to be able to better accomplish their fatherhood roles: empowered fathers mean empowered families.
As part of the next administration, a dad Vice President and First Gentleman could champion the needs of fathers, especially those most marginalized.
Tim Walz. Midwest vibes in a region rich in electoral votes this presidential election
Walz could leverage his relatable "big dad energy" and his own experiences to advocate for family friendly policies like paid paternity leave to rival what exists in other developed countries. Affordable and accessible childcare would increase fathers' opportunity for more active engagement in the early development of their children, while relieving parenting stress in the family system. These policies would also return much needed money back to the pockets of fathers and their families.
Like the spouses of previous presidents, the nation's first ever First Gentleman will need to champion a social cause at the national level. Reflective of Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign, the First Gentleman could launch a fatherhood campaign that addresses men's health and wellness; encourages a workplace culture that normalizes and encourages men in active parenting; and encourages policies and practices that support co-parenting. The "Harris-Emhoff blended family" experience, complete with multiracial experiences, offers an opportunity for the potential First Gentleman to focus on the challenges of different fatherhood-family arrangements.
Vance could use debate stage to center fatherhood, men's issues
Candidates on the Republican ticket have not veered so clearly into the territory of fatherhood policy. I suspect that moderators will give Vance the opportunity to disavow his previous anti-immigrant claims of migrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio . The debate also offers Vance a national stage to use his life and family context to start centering fatherhood and bring attention to men's issues on the Republican ticket. Vance is a father to bi-racial children, but his and former-president Trump's problematic stances on biracial identity and immigrants make them unlikely champions of issues related to racially minoritized families and their fathers.
Trump repeatedly and effortlessly lied. Undecided voters have simple question about truth.
Advocating for the child tax credit, paternal leave, legal supports for fathers or mental health support could help woo fathers, and redefine the vice presidency as a platform for advocating family-friendly initiatives. Vance would need significant pivoting to become a contender here, though he too has advocated for an expanded child tax credit.
Walz got to experience something fathers everywhere live for – the joy, admiration, and love of his children – albeit in front of a massive crowd, and millions watching across the world. While his fatherhood journey seemed uncertain at the beginning – beleaguered by infertility issues – his "dad joy" at the DNC was almost palpable.
Whether seated among the live audience or viewing the Vice Presidential debate from the comfort of their home, Walz's children will undoubtedly watch with pride, their hearts swelling with admiration as they cheer him on. His unique experiences position him to champion the needs of fathers, bridge the generational gaps, and promote a more inclusive understanding of fatherhood. Empowering fathers through supportive policies can only lead to stronger, more resilient families, benefiting society as a whole.
Alvin Thomas is an Associate Professor of Human Development & Family Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a consulting editor at the Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology.
