GOP pollster says Republicans could use expanded child care to attract independents

Republican pollster Jim Hobart said in an interview that aired on Tuesday that the GOP could use the issue of expanded child care to draw in independent voters in the next presidential election. 

“It’s something that does cut across party lines,” Hobart, a partner at Public Opinion Strategies, told Hill.TV’s Jamal Simmons on “What America’s Thinking.” 

“Republicans are supportive of it, but independents, the voters who are likely to decide the election, they’re supportive of it as well,” he continued. 

Hobart used the example of the president’s daughter Ivanka Trump’s support for expanded child care. 

“Ivanka Trump has also been very out front,” he said. “She’s worked with Sen. [Marco] Rubio [R-Fla.] on longer, paid family leave too.” 

“I think she has certainly taken this as an issue, and politically it’s smart,” he added. 

The issue of universal day care is playing a growing role in the Democratic presidential campaign. 

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) unveiled her universal child care proposal last month, calling for the federal government to team up with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and others to establish a network of child care options. 

— Julia Manchester


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