Why Progressive Groups Have A Problem With Clinton On Social Security

[BigBearJohn]

They are insisting on a red-line pledge not to cut benefits -- and say her assurances fall short of that.

Hillary Clinton refuses to rule out any and all benefit cuts to Social Security, angering leading progressive groups that have not endorsed a candidate in the Democratic primary.

The issue has arisen as Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), her remaining rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, debate who has stronger progressive bona fides and progressive groups call for a red-line pledge not to cut benefits.

A Clinton aide instead referred The Huffington Post to the statement on Social Security on the campaign's website, which says the former Secretary of State will "oppose closing the long-term shortfall on the backs of the middle class, whether through benefit cuts or tax increases."

S0URCE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/clinton-sanders-social-security_us_56b3f533e4b01d80b245c04e

[nichomachus]

1. She and Bill were poised to do away with SS in the '90s

And they would have gotten away with it if it hadn't been for Monica Lewinsky.

All seniors today owe Monica a debt of gratitude.

[dogman]

2. She said she would continue the Obama administrations lead.

I still fear the "Grand Bargain". I fear that Obama might reach it before he leaves office. Anyone promising compromise with the GOP worries me.

[BigBearJohn]

3. I agree

[Vinca]

4. On this issue Hillary is definitely status quo while Bernie wants to expand benefits.

Considering we haven't gotten a "raise" in recent memory, I opt for Bernie. The status quo wants a new formula that reduces the chance we might get a few crumbs more a month.

[kath]

5. This is a big deal. Pay attention, seniors (and everyone!)

[BigBearJohn]

6. Oh heck yes. I am paying rapt attention to this issue -- for sure!!!

[djean111]

7. Hillary = Third Way = do away with Social Security. My take on it.

In addition - why would anybody believe a pledge made by Hillary Clinton? Mind-boggling, that!

[BigBearJohn]

8. scares the hell out of me

[starroute]

9. Her statement seems like a refusal to raise the income cap

She's made it clear that she considers $250,000 a year to be middle class. And by refusing to raise taxes even on people in the top 5%, she's setting the social security trust fund up for shortfalls that will inevitably fall out on someone, somewhere.

[BigBearJohn]

10. Of course, that would affect the salaries of Wall Street, wouldn't it?