Today, for the first time, President Obama made clear that he's considering benefit cuts even for Americans who currently depend on Social Security and Medicare. This is something Paul Ryan didn't even embrace publicly. The Democratic Party should support the overwhelming will of Americans who say clearly that Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid cuts must be completely off the table. The middle class has sacrificed enough, and it's time to pass popular taxes on the rich and big corporations.
See Obama key quotes below, and PCCC's delivery today of pledges to Obama's Chicago HQ -- from people who won't donate or volunteer to Obama if he cuts these benefits.
TODAY'S OBAMA ANSWER ON BENEFIT CUTS:
Jake Tapper: Would you be willing to raise the retirement age? Would you be willing to means test Social Security or Medicare?
President Obama: We've said that we are willing to look at all those approaches. I laid out some criteria in terms of what would be acceptable. So, for example: I've said very clearly that we should make sure that current beneficiaries as much as possible are not affected. But we should look at what can we do in the out years.
MONDAY - Obama putting "benefits" on the table for first time:
"We’re going to have a sales job. This is not pleasant. It is hard to persuade people to do hard stuff that entails trimming benefits and increasing revenues."
MONDAY - Obama taking popular taxes on the rich off the table.
"I want to be crystal clear -- nobody has talked about increasing taxes now. Nobody has talked about increases -- increasing taxes next year."
PPP polling of swing states -- more at www.2012polling.com
QUESTION: In order to reduce the national debt, would you support or oppose raising taxes on those with incomes over $1,000,000 a year?
Ohio 78% support 21% oppose
Missouri 76% support 22% oppose
Montana 77% support 21% oppose
Minnesota 79% support 19% oppose
QUESTION: In order to reduce the national debt, would you support or oppose cutting spending on Social Security, which is the retirement program for the elderly?
Ohio 16% support 80% oppose
Missouri 17% support 76% oppose
Montana 20% support 76% oppose
Minnesota 23% support 72% oppose
QUESTION: In order to reduce the national debt, would you support or oppose cutting spending on Medicare, which is the government health insurance program for the elderly?
Ohio 20% support 76% oppose
Missouri 19% support 77% oppose
Montana 24% support 71% oppose
Minnesota 26% support 69% oppose
QUESTION: In order to reduce the national debt, would you support or oppose cutting spending on Medicaid, which is the government health insurance program for the poor, disabled, and children?
Ohio 33% support 61% oppose
Missouri 32% support 63% oppose
Montana 36% support 59% oppose
Minnesota 33% support 62% oppose
www.2012polling.com