Commentary

AARP: Presidential Debates Must Address Social Security, Medicare


Washington, DC –(ENEWSPF)–September 20, 2012.   Reacting to the announcement of topics for the first 2012 Presidential candidate debate, AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond today issued the following statement urging that retirement security issues be directly addressed:

“We are dismayed that the outline for the October 3rd debate omits any mention of Social Security and Medicare. Any meaningful discussion of the economy and this year’s election has to include the future of these critical retirement security programs.

“Our research shows that voters age 50-plus are driven by economic anxieties that extend well beyond the single issue of jobs. For these voters, ‘retirement security’ and ‘financial security’ are largely the same thing.

“They overwhelmingly think the candidates have not done a good job of explaining their plans on Social Security and Medicare, and say that learning the candidates’ plans to strengthen these programs will help their presidential voting decision.

“Remember that millions of American families are counting on Social Security and Medicare to be there for them, today and for decades to come. A critical opportunity to address their concerns is missed if the debates fail to explicitly address retirement security issues.

“The next President and Congress could determine the future of Medicare and Social Security, and Americans want and deserve to know the candidates plans’ for strengthening retirement security in this country.”

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for Americans 50+ and the world’s largest-circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for the 50+ audience; AARP VIVA, a bilingual lifestyle multimedia platform addressing the interests and needs of Hispanic Americans; and national television and radio programming including My Generation and Inside E Street. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

Source: aarp.org


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