AARP Statement On 11/15 CNN Debate In Las Vegas

Tonight's debate was breathtakingly lacking in the questions and answers regarding the issues AARP members care about the most.

Skyrocketing health care costs affect everyone. Being able to afford to retire or wondering if it will be possible to have a piece of the American Dream concerns all Americans.

With the Congressional Budget Office this week pointing out how health care costs account for 90 percent of the projected growth in federal health care spending, and two states--California and Illinois--both struggling with health care reform proposals, it is time for the health care conversation in this country to undergo a radical change. Instead of focusing on program cuts, our leaders need to focus on holding down health care costs throughout the system - for individuals, employers, and government. It is time to break the gridlock and for action on these issues.

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.

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.