Chicago Debate Fallout: Gov. Dean's Denial on Social Security Age
The following is a press release from August 6, 2003, by the Kucinich campaign
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Chicago Debate Fallout: Gov. Dean's Denial on Social Security Age
Rep. Dennis Kucinich does not accept the media script that portrays Democrats as groveling before unions and civil rights groups. Quite the contrary, he sees Democrats who too often serve up vague and fuzzy rhetoric to loyal constituencies during campaigns and then govern against the interests of those voters once in office. That's why -- at the AFL-CIO forum in Chicago -- he tried to encourage fellow Democrats toward specificity.
That's why -- since Gov. Dean says he is committed to a balanced budget while keeping Pentagon spending off-limits to cuts -- Rep. Kucinich felt it was important and relevant to a union audience to question Dean's public statements about raising the Social Security retirement age. In arguing for his own position of returning the age to 65 at the nationally-televised forum, Kucinich noted that "Mr. Dean has said that he'd move the retirement age to 68. One time, he talked about moving it to 70."
A few minutes later, Dean simply offered a broad denial: "I have never favored a Social Security retirement age of 70. Nor do I favor one of 68."
Today, Congressman Kucinich said: "It's unfortunate that Dr. Dean was not forthright with labor leaders and activists concerning his statements on Social Security which had been discussed on a recent 'Meet the Press' program. I was surprised at his denial, which raises many questions. If he wants to clarify his earlier statements, fine. But don't deny them while appealing for union votes."
BACKGROUND
"The way to balance the budget, Dean said, is for Congress to cut Social Security, move the retirement age to 70, cut defense, Medicare and veterans pensions, while the states cut almost everything else. 'It would be tough but we could do it,' he said." (Times-Picayune, 3/5/95, "And Politicians Wonder Why They Aren't Trusted," by Miles Benson, Newhouse News Service)
Dean was asked about the comment on "Meet the Press" (6/22/03):
DEAN: ...I don't recall saying that, but I'm sure I did, if you have it on your show, because I know your researchers are very good."
RUSSERT: Well, Miles Benson is a very good reporter for the Newhouse News.
DEAN Yes, he is. No, no, no. I'm sure I did. I'm not denying that I said that.
A few minutes later on the same "Meet the Press," Dean said the following as he discussed budget balancing and Social Security: "I also would entertain taking the retirement age to 68. It's at 67 now. I would entertain that."
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Comments
Thank you for raising the question of honesty from all our candidates.
Every candidate for office and every one of our elected need to be honest in their responses to the American people. And I am proud of Dennis Kucinich for the way in which he handled catching Mr. Dean in his moment of 'forgetfullness'.
Kucinich exudes honesty and integrity and has clearly done his homework.
Not only is Kucinich up to date on all the issues, he is a spell binding speaker who captures his audience with his knowledge of history and flowing progressions from 'then' to 'now'.
More than any other candidate, Kucinich has been educating us all aong on international and national issues.
Posted by: Elaine Hayes | September 4, 2003 10:03 PM
I am a muslim and I am for Howard Dean, apperently so are 45% of all Muslims, the remaining are undecided. Dr Dean stuck his head way out to take a shot at the Jewish leaders and the leading Jews in the country for us. Yes for us Muslims. Following Kucinich is a dead end road. I was hoping that you will come to your sences and give up this web site.
Posted by: lynn Zaman | September 12, 2003 08:38 AM
Actually, the figure is only 26% in support of Dean. Please stick to the truth. It'll get you further than your hostile attitude towards anybody who disagrees with you.
Posted by: Al-Munaqabah | September 12, 2003 11:07 AM