Paul Begala: It's easy to forget that we have an ongoing deadly battle raging against ordinary U.S. families

Ruben Navarrette : J.D. Vance honored his mother, Beverly Aikins , who has been clean and sober for 10 years .

He says she was able to tame her addiction with the help of a 12 -step program through Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous .

He writes that the kind of recovery achieved is unfortunately rare, but too often, our society offers little hope to those struggling with addiction.

The office of vice president comes with few formal powers, but certainly encompasses the ability to encourage a country still grappling with the devastating toll of opioids.

Vance suggested that his family might celebrate the official tenth anniversary of his mother’s recovery at the White House in January 2025 .

This is a campaign promise he should keep.