Post-Debate Statement From AARP Spokseperson Drew Nannis

Source: AARP Press Center | September 26, 2007

HANOVER, NH - In tonight’s debate, the candidates started to address the issues that are foremost in the minds of all Americans – health and financial security.

Tonight, the majority of the candidates began to address our nation's financial security, as well as a cornerstone of personal retirement security - Social Security. We were pleased to hear that the candidates are looking at a range of options to ensure Social Security is available for future generations.

The issues of health and financial security are interconnected, especially for the millions of people in Medicare that are at risk of losing their doctors while also paying more for their health care. It is no different for the families that cannot afford their medicines or to take their children to the doctor because the cost of health care makes it beyond reach for too many Americans. The conversation tonight reflected an awareness of this terrible reality.

With nearly one in four of the questions in tonight's debate addressing these issues, we thank the candidates and look forward to hearing additional details from the candidates about how they will end the partisan fighting and move towards the solutions on the health and financial security challenges faced daily by the American people.

Divided We Fail and AARP are monitoring the number of health and financial security questions asked during the Presidential debates. For more information about Divided We Fail and the debate, log onto the Divided We Fail debate tracker at www.dividedwefail.org.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, http://www.AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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