AARP Statement on the 10/30 Pennsylvania Democratic Debate

People want leadership on health and financial security and the debates give the candidates the chance to show they are ready to lead. Both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama addressed Social Security this week with paid ads. The discussion continued tonight, with the candidates rightly agreeing on the importance of the long term health of Social Security and starting a dialogue on the range of options available. We welcome this discussion and look forward to hearing from more candidates on this issue, as well as helping all Americans have affordable health care.

AARP will be part of a discussion tomorrow in Congress on the future of our health and financial security. It's time for Congress as well as those who seek higher office to tackle these issues fully and comprehensively. This dialogue must begin with addressing skyrocketing health care costs and a variety of options should be considered when we look at making the future more secure for every generation.

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.