Commentary

AARP Responds to Political Campaign Ad: ‘The Candidates Owe Voters Straight Talk – Not Just 30-Second Ads’


WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)-August 17, 2012.  AARP Senior Vice President John Hishta issued the following statement in response to a new campaign advertisement that uses quotes from AARP:

“The next president and Congress will decide the future of Medicare, and the candidates owe voters straight talk – not just 30-second ads – about what their plans will mean for today’s seniors and future retirees.

“We were not aware of nor have any involvement with this campaign ad.  AARP is a nonpartisan organization and we do not endorse political candidates.  For the last 26 years, we’ve been providing voters with balanced information, without all the political jargon and spin, so they can make their own decisions on Election Day. 

“Earlier this year, we launched You’ve Earned a Say, a national conversation on the future of Social Security and Medicare, to engage people in communities across the country so they have the pros and cons of proposals currently on the table in Washington and on the campaign trail.

“Our voters’ guide, which will be available on August 24 on earnedsay.org, will enable voters to not only find out where the candidates stand on the future of Medicare and Social Security, but to tell candidates what they think. 

“We urge all presidential and congressional candidates to talk with voters about the future of Medicare and Social Security at the upcoming conventions, debates and other forums.

“We encourage our members and all Americans to ask questions so they understand where the candidates stand on these important issues and can choose the candidates that best reflect their views and values.”

For more information, please visit www.earnedasay.org. 

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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