Makes my heart glad--the Repugs are getting edgy!!! te he!!
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2005/01/07/democrats_try_to_alter_social_security_debate/ Democrats try to alter Social Security debate
Discussion of cuts challenges GOP view of program in 'crisis'
By Michael Kranish, Globe Staff | January 7, 2005
WASHINGTON -- President Bush's strategy of saying that Social Security's "crisis is now" as a rationale for creating personal investment accounts has been offset by unanticipated attacks from Democratic leaders that the White House is manufacturing an excuse to boost support for private accounts.
The attacks have made the majority of Republicans uncharacteristically nervous that public discussion of benefit cuts by Bush's aides will backfire on the party. A memo by the Senate Republican Policy Committee warned this week that a plan under serious consideration by Bush "could be mislabeled as a benefit cut."
Bush envisioned a three-month postelection period in which he would portray Social Security in speeches and at conferences as facing a crisis that requires dramatic overhaul, after which he would unveil his plan as a necessary corrective. But by refusing to say whether he would cut benefits for younger workers, as his commission recommended three years ago, Bush has let a debate rage among his top staff about what shape the plan should take.
The debate has become increasingly public, leaving the impression that the White House staff is divided and that Bush is torn over the conflicting advice he is receiving. Bush aides said this week the president may not unveil details of his plan for another seven weeks or even longer. The long delay concerns even some who support Bush's goals.