Reply #373: But they will still claim cutting Social Security is required to cut the deficit regardless of the

[BzaDem]

funding source. The deficit commission just did -- before the payroll tax holiday was even proposed. The fact that you and I are aware of the accounting details doesn't mean most voters are.

Your argument relies on a modified funding source creating more "political cover" for cuts. But that relies on voters understanding the difference. I really doubt they do in general. Putting to one side whether or not saying the words "cutting the deficit" provides any political cover (and the reactions of the populace of Europe might counsel otherwise), those words are going to be spoken regardless of the funding source.