AARP Statement on 10/9 Debate

The issue of financial security was an important component in today’s debate, and we know Americans and those in Michigan care about this issue. Specifically, the candidates began a needed discussion about our nation’s fiscal condition, which is integral to the long term prospects for the health and financial security of all Americans.

While the majority of the Republican candidates have shared positions on health care issues, we call on the candidates to provide more details on how they will help Americans improve their financial futures. A recent AARP poll showed that 9 in 10 potential 50+ Republican voters in Michigan think candidate positions on financial security issues such as Social Security and savings will be important to their vote.

All the Republican candidates will have another opportunity to discuss health and financial security issues at our upcoming candidate forum in Sioux City, Iowa, on October 25.

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.