The winning card--Obama and Democrats need Social Security and Medicare

[eridani]

http://www.nationofchange.org/winning-card-obama-and-democrats-need-social-security-and-medicare-1349451365

There's a lot of post-debate analysis going on -- some would say too much -- but not enough is being said about the ace in the Democrats' deck: defending Social Security and Medicare. That's not just a winning card for the candidates who play it.Seniors, young people, the disabled, the jobless: Everybody at the table wins.

Everybody, that is, except the Republican in the race.

So why didn't the President play this winning card last night? Why aren't more Democrats using it? It's as if they've all signed a secret pledge to appear fair and reasonable - by not admitting they hold a better hand

[eridani]

1. Sanders and retiree groups find Obama's debate stance shocking

http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/260395-sanders-and-liberals-slam-obama-on-social-security

“The American people in poll after poll after poll have been very clear, do not cut Social Security and for the president to say I expect that my position is somewhat similar to Gov. Romney is very, very distressing,” Sanders said.

Obama said he did not see a major difference between himself and Romney when moderator Jim Lehrer asked about Social Security at Wednesday night’s debate in Denver.

“You know, I suspect that, on Social Security, we've got a somewhat similar position. Social Security is structurally sound. It's going to have to be tweaked the way it was by Ronald Reagan and Speaker -- Democratic Speaker Tip O'Neill. But it is -- the basic structure is sound,” he told the national television audience.

The answer sent shockwaves among Obama’s liberal and labor allies, who have made protecting Social Security from cuts one of their highest priorities.

“My jaw dropped,” said Nancy Altman, co-chair of the Strengthen Social Security coalition and campaign, which includes the AFL-CIO, MoveOn.org Political Action, and the Service Employees International Union.

[juajen]

3. Obama didn't need to reiterate his position on SS and Medicare. It's well known.

He is also in favor of streamlining, but improving Medicaid. He knows how much all of these programs are needed, and has said so many times. No worries.

[eridani]

4. Yes--he has suggested raising the Medicare eligibility age

--and using chained COLA to calculate SocSec benefits. Mitt the Shit, regardless of what he says, wants to abolish both.

[tblue]

5. Then he needs to stop assuming everybody knows where he stands

and make a vigorous defense of those cornerstones of the Dem party. And, for God's sake, NEVER AGAIN utter the words, "Governor Romney and I agree on Social Security.". GMAFB!!!!

Unequivocal defense against the Republican party (yes, dammit, say, "the Republican party&quot assault on these fundamentals has to be repeatedly stated in no uncertain terms. It's a winner politically but it can never be assumed people know where he stands. If he means it, he has to say it. Assumptions will get him nowhere.

[HiPointDem]

2. kr. election would be a sure thing. funny no definitive statements on ss & mc.