Post Nevada Debate and Michigan Primary Statement From AARP National Spokesperson Mark Kitchens
Source: AARP Press Center | | January 15, 2008
January 15, 2008
Drew Nannis, AARP, 202-434-2560, anannis@aarp.org
Washington, DC – "Americans got another dose of the 2008 Presidential contest tonight with the Democratic debate in Las Vegas and the primary in Michigan.
“Unfortunately, the issues that rank as top of mind for voters, financial security and health care, were not a significant part of tonight's debate. Just 10 percent of the questions coming from the moderators focused on these issues. When it came time for the voters to weigh in, however, 40 percent of the questions focused on issues that matter to them - financial concerns. Tonight, too many questions strayed from the issues that are top of mind for all Americans.
“Issues are what can make the difference for these candidates as millions of voters go to the polls in the coming weeks. Financial security issues were top of mind for voters in Michigan and the outcome of tonight's race is an indicator that when candidates talk about the issues people of all ages are concerned about they succeed.
“In 2006, one in four voters were AARP members. In Nevada, one in three AARP members voted in the two previous Presidential elections. On behalf of our members who may not live in early primary states and may not have an opportunity to ask a candidate directly about health care and financial security issues, AARP asks that the debates probe more deeply into the health care and financial security issues -- and proposed solutions to these critical problems -- that people care most about."
