What do you make of this story? I am a big fan of Bernie Sanders.

[kentuck]

Just asking?
=============

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/24/obama-and-social-security_n_1910498.html

<snip>

Obama Social Security Reform

WASHINGTON -- Concern is mounting among some Senate Democrats that President Barack Obama will make a deal with Senate Republicans during the lame-duck session that would result in changes to the benefit structure of Social Security.

One of the most progressive voices in the caucus, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), said he was heartened to hear Obama tell the AARP last week that he'd be open to raising the cap on income that's taxed for purposes of paying into the Social Security trust fund. Sanders also applauded the president for taking off of the table any reform language that resulted in the "slashing" of benefits (several Social Security advocates, disagreeing with Sanders, said they were worried such language was counterproductive, as it opens the door for cuts that could be deemed minor).

But the Vermont Independent worried that all of this could be posturing for the lame-duck session immediately after the election, when lawmakers are expected to rush to find another "grand bargain" on tax and entitlement reform to stave off the so-called fiscal cliff.

"That's exactly what's going to happen," Sanders said of Social Security being on the proverbial table, "Unless someone of us stops it -- and a number of us are working very hard on this -- that's exactly what will happen. Everything being equal, unless we stop it, what will happen is there will be a quote-unquote grand bargain after the election in which the White House, some Democrats will sit down with Republicans, they will move to a chained CPI."

....more

[DonRedwood]

1. why can't bernie be president next?

i'd vote for him in a second

[valerief]

3. Man, wouldn't that be great? nt

[MineralMan]

13. Sadly, he would get less than 5% of the vote.

It's a wonderful dream, but could not happen.

[mike_c]

2. I think a whole helluva lot of Senator Sanders...

...and if he says that, I am concerned. I don't think Bernie is unduly alarmist or that he would raise this issue unless it is real. He might be mistaken, of course, and I'm assuming that he was quoted correctly. If that turns out to not be true, that's a whole different matter.

[fredamae]

4. What to do? Think about

what Sen Sanders said. Is it true? Has Pres Obama begun to speak differently on this issue-or any issue? Look up 2008 debate vids and speeches....If Sen Sanders is correct? Then lets ask the Pres. There is no better place to get the truth than the "horses mouth", right?

[Enrique]

5. good to see Harry Reids signature on that letter

if it is going to be stopped, who is in a better position to stop it than Reid?

[Le Taz Hot]

6. When Senator Sanders speaks,

I listen. He's easily the most respected voice in the either House and for good reason.

[ProSense]

7. First, it's good to see

One of the most progressive voices in the caucus, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), said he was heartened to hear Obama tell the AARP last week that he'd be open to raising the cap on income that's taxed for purposes of paying into the Social Security trust fund. Sanders also applauded the president for taking off of the table any reform language that resulted in the "slashing" of benefits (several Social Security advocates, disagreeing with Sanders, said they were worried such language was counterproductive, as it opens the door for cuts that could be deemed minor).

..this acknowledgment by Sanders. Secondly, when I see a letter signed by everyone from Harry Reid to Carl Levin to Joe Manchin...

Sanders is one of 29 Senators who have signed a letter to "oppose including Social Security cuts for future or current beneficiaries in any deficit reduction package." In addition Sanders has supported legislation that would enact the proposal that Obama put forward as a candidate for president in 2008, which entails putting in place a payroll tax on income over $250,000, in the process creating a gap between the current cap of $110,100 and that new level.

...I'm thinking nothing is going to happen. Eleven more Senators and that's a filibuster. President Obama cannot change Social Security singlehandedly. That change would have to go through Congress. I doubt there are going to be Democrats, especially those up for re-election in 2014, who are going to put their careers on line.

Paul Ryan's reception by the AARP should be an indication that Social Security is still a political third rail.

In fact, he's having to run from his positions attacking the program.

Paul Ryan Disowns Remarks To Ayn Rand Group Decrying ‘Collectivist’ Social Security
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/09/paul-ryan-ayn-rand-divorce.php

[tokenlib]

14. It depend on how "balanced" and "reasonable" they can sell it....

The GOP and even "DLC" types have sold the BIG LIE of Social Security insolvency rather successfully. A chained CPI and increased retirement age could be seen as reasonable. We are still missing too many signatures on that letter. Where is Senator Kerry??--I always thought better of him and some of the others who have not signed it.

Sadly something is going to happen...and I think it will be the ox of our malnourished retirement futures that is going to be gored by the centrists. Unless we heed the warnings and call to arms coming our way.

[riderinthestorm]

8. Ugh. If Bernie says it though, I believe it. K&R for more exposure nt

[tokenlib]

9. Bernie is trying to awaken us before it is too late...

The President seems unwilling to take a "no cuts' stand on Social Security
He keeps speaking of a "balanced" approach to Social Security--which means giving something up in exchange for revenue.

"Simpson Bowles" (the infamous catfood commission) has been name- dropped continually during the past few months by numerous democrats as "reasonable" and "balanced."

The establishment in DC will no doubt not have the guts to play chicken long enough to go over the fiscal cliff. (i'd rather the cliff than the bargain)
Based on the leaks from the "Grand Bargain" with Boehner the outlines can be envisioned.

Increased Retirement age, chained CPI and perhaps even means testing may be given in return for adjusting the contribution cap.

The President and the campaign are NOT as reassuring as four years ago. We need to be ready for another fight and to raise "holy hell" with the centrists in our own party right after election day...

[november3rd]

10. Lame Duck?

Is it still a "lame duck" session if Obama wins a second term?

Obama knows how the game in Washington is played by now, but will not leave the average American holding the empty bag on Social Security and Medicare.

If he can get the Republicans to move on the deficit by offering to include Social Security and Medicare in the plan, I trust him to get the people a good deal.

On Medicare before, he made the program more solvent, not by cutting benefits, but by lowering costs. Maybe he can raise the cap in SS.

[OrwellwasRight]

15. It's still lame duck because some sitting

MOCs and Senators will have lost their races and therefore their "mandate to speak for the people," making them lame ducks.

[DonCoquixote]

11. somebody has to keep O honest

as already, the Clintons, Rahms will whisper "see, you won because you moved right, not because of that yucky leftist base that always hated us." I Mitt loss would show that O needs the base, a lesson even Clinton learned after his cigar buisness made him run to the left instead of to the right.

[Thrill]

12. If Paul Ryan gets in the Executive Branch with a Republican house

Thats it for SS and Medicare anyway. There are 10 Senate Dems that are more Republican than they're Democrats.