Democrats plead with Obama to abandon Social Security cut

[1StrongBlackMan]

248. First, Let's be clear ...

I do not support any cuts to SS ... unless we're talking capping it for the wealthy, dollar for dollar above the payroll cap (IOW, the wealth get out what they paid in, no more). However, I DO support the strategy because it is a gambit with ZERO shot at becoming law; but what it DOES do/HAS a shot to do is highlight once again (and just in time for 2014) the gop's constant obstruction, even on stuff they asked for. IOW, it gives the electorate a picture of what it wants ... a government of folks willing to work together to get stuff done.

But that said ... you are quite right, SS has nothing to do with the federal debt/deficit; but let's face it, that is/will be almost impossible to get the average voter to understand. Most peoples' understanding of the world is informed by their real life experience. People know that money is fungible ... the money set aside to pay the mortgage/rent, can also be, and in tight times, is used to pay the electric bill or to get the car repaired, whether that money comes from Partner A's paycheck or Partner B's. That is what makes the republican "Kitchen Table/Household Budget" narrative so effective ... people understand it.

With regard to SS ... In their mind, it's all money controlled by the "government", and it doesn't matter whether that money is held in the left pocket or the right.

So why is SS a part of the debt/deficit conversation?

Because the gop, knowing that the majority of the electorate applies "Kitchen Table/Household Budget" understanding of the world around them; but none-the-less want their government to get stuff done, has put it there. And, in a divided government, whatever either side demands be on the table must be on the table (even if nothing is done about it) ... or nothing gets done. And, the side that refused to have that thing on the table is the side that gets the public's blame.

Though I don't suspect that you will agree ... I would hope that you take a moment to attempt to understand, an answer to the question you asked.