Bush, Dems Take Soc. Sec. Battle to Radio (Roosevelt speaks in dem slot) [View All]

[Rose Siding]

WASHINGTON Mar 12, 2005 — President Bush and Democrats took their differences over Social Security to the airwaves on Saturday, with Bush complaining about "scare ads" against his plan and Democrats denouncing his proposal as a "risky privatization scheme."
...
In the Democratic broadcast an hour later, James Roosevelt Jr. a grandson of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and former Social Security official accused Bush of breaking a long tradition of bipartisan support for the retirement program.

"In 1935, my grandfather signed the Social Security Act into law, ensuring that Americans retired with financial security," Roosevelt said. "And since that time, Democrats and Republicans have worked together to protect and strengthen Social Security. Like most Americans, I agree with the guiding principle that America's workers deserve a secure retirement."

"Unfortunately, President Bush and Washington Republicans do not share this belief," added Roosevelt, who served as the Social Security Administration's associate commissioner for retirement policy during the Clinton administration.
...
Roosevelt said he was happy to go on the radio and speak on behalf of Democrats, noting that his grandfather had pioneered the tactic. "Seventy-two years ago today, American families gathered around their radios to listen to the very first fireside chat by my grandfather. I am proud to continue this tradition."

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=574663&page=2