AARP Statement on 9/5 Debate

Tonight’s 90 minute discussion was an opportunity for the candidates to talk about the pocketbook issues that are dominating the minds of voters from New England to Nevada: health and financial security. Without a single question asked about these issues, the candidates nonetheless brought up the topic of financial security and briefly discussed how we can afford to grow old as a nation.

Last week the U.S. Census reported that there has been yet another increase in the number of uninsured and an appalling number of Americans living in poverty. These are not the only people concerned about these issues. Voters are also poised to hear about how these candidates are prepared to address the key pieces of a solid future: health care, pensions and Social Security.

We call on these candidates to specifically address the ways they can improve both the health and financial security of all Americans.

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.