Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
Here's a Public Policy Polling survey claiming that his stance on Social Security is causing Texas Gov. Rick Perry lots o' trouble in a hypothetical matchup with President Obama -- trailing by double digits, if you care to believe that.
PPP is a Democratic Party-affiliated outfit, but I don't want to get into the question of polls and pre-biased outcomes.
The issue here, imo, is whether Perry needs to say anything further on the matter, for the time being ("time being" meaning until the next GOP debate, on 9/22 in Orlando), or if his comments/clarification in last night's debate and the USA Today op-ed suffice for now.
I'm torn on this topic, so howsabout putting on your strategist beanie and offering me some guidance?
1) Does Perry's hanging tough on Social Security make sense, in an election chock full of cyncial voters, burned out on "hope", looking for sincerity and genuineness?
2) Are comments like "Ponzi scheme" a little too "cowboy" -- and the sort of language that makes for easy Democratic attack ads/Republicans-on-the-defensive come next fall?
Your thoughts?
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May '10
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
I'm sorry, but in today's climate it's nice to see a politician say, "I've said what I believe, and I stand by it." If he doesn't get the nomination, or win the general, because American voters still want their head in the sand about SS and want our leaders to continue to lie to us, then we are doomed.
Apr '11
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
I like it in the sense that it has sparked an actual discussion on the fundamentals of what social security is and how it is paid for. The next step is to address how to fix it and point out that Democrats have no answers outside of printing more money which will cause inflation which will mean we'll all be getting paid with devalued dollars.
The initial reaction from people is to shriek in horror when someone threatens their entitlements, but eventually people wake up if they are given enough information and the debate isn't shut down before it can even get started.
Dec '10
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
I'm with Keith. If keeping the most reliable voting block addicted to and dependent on government payments is sacred then we as a society might deserve the cliff we're about to go over. It's a strong statement, but I cannot see any reason to coddle a program that at its heart is antithetical to liberty.
May '11
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
Perry has a very good strategy team, and I would guess this is part of it. I've been wanting to hear more from my Gov (I'm here in Austin, it's an odd place).
I would guess that he's waiting until the field narrows down a bit before offering anything concrete. He has some wiggle room with the still double-digit lead over Romney. Once it gets down to 4 or 5 on stage, perhaps after the third debate, I hope to see something in writing. He will need to offer a teaser for the next round, or at least get more specific on a few things.
These people need to focus more on Obama at the next debate, even Democrats know that circular firing squads are dangerous. Romney needs a wrist-slap for the whole "scaring seniors" tripe.
Free rebuttal for the Perry camp: "Governor Romney, you don't need to be scared. You've done very well over the years. A lot of people haven't, and I want to make sure help is there when they need it, not lie to them."
Jul '10
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
Does Perry have a research staff? He ought to mention that something like four or five Nobel Prize winners in economics have used "Ponzi scheme" to describe Social Security. What's going to hurt him more down the road is his limp attitude toward border control. I think Romney would be smart to draw the distinction between his views and Perry's on the subject. The governor might have relationships with business interests that want cheap labor regardless of the cost to our economy and culture
Aug '11
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
Bill Whalen
2) Are comments like "Ponzi scheme" a little too "cowboy" -- and the sort of language that makes for easy Democratic attack ads/Republicans-on-the-defensive come next fall?
No . . . although I'm sure it's the talking point Democrats will use.
But if calling it a "Ponzi scheme" is a little too "cowboy," then even Paul Krugman wears a 10-gallon hat.
Can anyone point me to a "man-on-the-street" or some sort of interview with the "folks" where they express their fears about Perry calling it a Ponzi scheme? From everything I've seen over the last week, the only people who are freaking out over that term being applied to social security are Democrats in government and their media lapdogs. In other words, people who aren't going to vote for Perry anyway. In other words, nobody who matters.
Edited on Sep 13, 2011 at 3:46pmDec '10
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
I think Perry should point out two things:
1) The original Social Security tax rate was 1 percent, nominally "split" between the employer and employee - today it's 10.4 percent. If the Democrats' only plan to "save" Social Security is to keep raising taxes year after year, what will they do when taxpayers say "enough is enough" and refuse to accept any more tax increases? (We seem to be there already.)
2) If saving Social Security is the most important thing, why did Obama propose to extend the cut in payroll taxes that fund the benefits for today's Social Security beneficiaries?
Jun '10
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
DrewInWisconsin
Can anyone point me to a "man-on-the-street" or some sort of interview with the "folks" where they express their fears about Perry calling it a Ponzi scheme? From everything I've seen over the last week, the only people who are freaking out over that term being applied to social security are Democrats in government and their media lapdogs. In other words, people who aren't going to vote for Perry anyway. In other words, nobody who matters. · Sep 13 at 3:43pm
What about this poll that shows that 72% say the following statement is "not accurate:"
The Social Security system has been described as a "monstrous lie" and as a failure.
Further, only 12% agree with this:
Social Security's problems are so bad that the system should be replaced.
Dec '10
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
A warning about PPP polling. Their vaunted accuracy is always based on their final polls.
Just to give you an example, 3 weeks ago they had NV-2 running 43/42 in favor of the Republican. Now it's 50/37.
They always do this. PPP always shows Democrats with unrealistic leads or just barely trailing and then they lose support when it comes to the day of the election.
Well, the race isn't "tightening up" or any such thing. In fact, given the demographics of NV-2, the party breakdown should tell the tale early on, but PPP was predicting much higher Democrat participation.
But they get credit for "accuracy" based on their final polls.
Dec '10
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
The obvious problems with anything PPP puts out (I'm from NC, believe me I know them), I am in complete agreement with Stuart: hammer Obama on the actuaries already saying the program is on the verge of bankruptcy and Obama is robbing it of it's only funding source.
Second, please call him a cowboy, on this issue, then have him distinguish between a cowboy that tries to talk straight and bandits that have scurried off with every penny previously paid into the system.
Jun '10
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
So I guess it's probably not the best time for Perry to tell us that Medicare is actually in much worse trouble than Social Security and will bankrupt this country much sooner. It would take the conversation away from SS as a Ponzi, however.
Jun '10
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
Two points:
1. Perry can make the Ponzi scheme argument without using that term (though I find it quite accurate).
2. Talk about reforming S/S (with some specifics) so that the Dems can't make the case that he's out to destroy it.
In other words, fine-tuning the message rather than walking back from it.
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
AmishDude: A warning about PPP polling. Their vaunted accuracy is always based on their final polls.
Just to give you an example, 3 weeks ago they had NV-2 running 43/42 in favor of the Republican. Now it's 50/37.
They always do this. PPP always shows Democrats with unrealistic leads or just barely trailing and then they lose support when it comes to the day of the election.
Well, the race isn't "tightening up" or any such thing. In fact, given the demographics of NV-2, the party breakdown should tell the tale early on, but PPP was predicting much higher Democrat participation.
But they get credit for "accuracy" based on their final polls. · Sep 13 at 4:01pm
Fascinating! So, initially, they try to throw the election; and then, to keep their reputation from being sullied, they go honest in the end.
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
If ever there was a time for straight talk, it is now.
Jun '10
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
Here's what confounds me. Prior to the first debate the report was that Perry met with Paul Ryan. Did they discuss how to fix Social Security and Medicare? Or was this just an "aw shucks, sure is great to meet you" moment devoid of any substantive policy talk? Ryan has put forth a plan. Has Perry read it? If all Perry can offer when pressed in two debates now is that it is a Ponzi scheme how is that different than that artfully-bearded whacko in New York who kept repeating "The rent is too damn high!" -? Okay, Governor, we get it. We agree. Social Security is a Ponzi scheme. What steps are you going to take to fix it? Or are you proposing to eliminate it altogether? If so, what replaces it? Anything? Perry? Perry? Bueller?
Yes, I think it's wonderful that Perry talks tough and sticks by his guns. Good for him. But if the man has no ideas then at least borrow some from folks like Ryan or Gingrich who at least have done some thinking on the topic. Good grief!
Edited on Sep 13, 2011 at 11:06pmDec '10
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
So, have we all read Rick Perry's opinion piece in USA Today?
He says he wants Social Security fixed so that it's there for both current and future retirees. No specifics on how, though.
Dec '10
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
Stick with this line. Hammer it. Drill it into the consciousness. Start throwing in facts that we all know but most of the electorate do not. Call out the leadership of AARP as the "Lords of The senior entitlement " racket. It drives Dems & the MSM stark-raving mad, gets them talking about it, drives ever more primary voters to him. He wins the primaries in a walk. Then when The One & his minions attack him on his desire to starve Granny, he softens up, gets reasonable, produces his very well thought out plan & asks Dear Leader to present his. Dear Leader won't because that requires talking about either raising taxes or retirement age during the election & his base will lose their minds. Heads explode. Great fun all around!!
Aug '11
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
Joseph Stanko
DrewInWisconsin
Can anyone point me to a "man-on-the-street" or some sort of interview with the "folks" where they express their fears about Perry calling it a Ponzi scheme?
What about this poll that shows that 72% say the following statement is "not accurate:"
The Social Security system has been described as a "monstrous lie" and as a failure.
Further, only 12% agree with this:
Social Security's problems are so bad that the system should be replaced.
That's good. Thanks. Though I think the more important question was just above it.
55% of Americans feel that Social Security's problems are serious and can be fixed only with major changes to the current system. 28% say minor changes. 12% say to replace it. Only 4% say there are no changes needed at all. I think that's telling, and doesn't suggest Rick Perry -- or anyone -- is going out on a long or high limb with talk about fixing it.
There's a myth out there that Republicans (as a group) want to immediately shut it down. That kind of talk -- a myth -- is how the Democrats are frightening people.
Oct '10
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
I love it that Perry's shoot-from-the-hip style creates new issues and talking points for dems that will have Republicans trying to explain themselves next year.
Dec '10
Re: Perry and Social Security: His Next Move?
It is a ponzi scheme! And, any legitimate private business would be under investigation or fined or in jail for fraud if they had done what our government has done with this nations wealth. Cowards all, they have squandered it for political advantage for decades. It has to stop.