AARP Statement on 11/28 Republican Debate

Again, tonight's debate lacked a real discussion of the kitchen table issues that Americans are talking about day in and day out. This is a continuing disappointment as candidates seem focused on delivering the best sound bites rather than provide solutions for the issues that people care about.

When Americans asked the critical questions about the nation's financial future, the candidates were quick to point fingers instead of talking about solutions. The challenges this nation is facing may mean tough choices that everyone should be prepared to make.

While the nation is anxious about their own pocketbooks, the turbulent housing market and their uncertain health and financial futures, the candidates had an opportunity to lead with ideas and proposals about how they plan to help Americans with these issues; issues even more pronounced in Florida, where real estate, a key part of retirement planning, has seen a significant downturn.

It is time for these candidates to step up and use the debates to begin a discussion of bipartisan solutions that can help everyone feel more secure about their future.

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, 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.