Dean Says He Misspoke on Social Security

[w4rma]

WASHINGTON -- Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean said Wednesday that he misspoke when he told the AFL-CIO he never favored raising the retirement age for Social Security benefits to age 70.

Dean acknowledged that he had called for such an increase when the country was faced with a deficit in 1995, but said he no longer thinks it is necessary. He said former President Clinton set an example of balancing the budget without raising the retirement age.
...
During an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" in June, Dean said an increase to age 70 is no longer necessary, but he would entertain an increase to 68.

He said the way to balance the budget now is to repeal President Bush's tax cuts and restrict spending. He said to balance Social Security, he would consider raising the retirement age to 68 and letting more salary above $87,000 fall under the payroll tax.

On Wednesday, Dean said since his appearance on "Meet the Press," he has consulted with experts and concluded that no increase in the retirement age would be necessary. A better solution, he said, would
be to raise the salary limit.

"I'm willing to take it off entirely if we need to," he said.
...
http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-dean-social-security,0,2509226.story?coll=sns-ap-politics-headlines

When Dean notices he made a mistake, he has been correcting himself immediately. I am respecting that, alot.

I'm *very* impressed with this and his solution to balancing the budget, above.

I'm also impressed with the short list of Dean's misstatements that the AP is building at the bottom of all Dean apologies.

And I'm wondering where Bush's list is.

[tedoll78]

1. Gotta admit..

He's really good at preventing mishaps from becoming major gaffes. By this point, the media would've eaten him alive if here were Gore.

[unfrigginreal]

2. It's really not a big todo

Dean will be forgiven more readily for misspeaking because he speaks off the top of his head. He'll receive the same slack that McCain got for the same problem. Whenever you have a guy(gal) out there being real about who they are and not reading from scripts, then missteps are forgiven. I wouldn't want to be a supporter of the other candidates and see this, but it won't hurt Dean.

[RB TexLa]

3. Just depends on how often

Very true, unfrigginreal. Dean is going to misspeak often. If you do it more than a few times the press gives a pass. They talk about it but don't dwell on it, George Bush got the pass in 2000.

[Gore1FL]

4. I don't know if I agree

Gore mispoke, what once -- concerning who from FEMA was with him on one of numerous trips. Bus mispoke/lied constantly.

Gore was crucified for saying things he didn't say.

[DemBones DemBones]

6. Too true. Standards should be the same for all. And candidates

should expect to be questioned if they misspeak/ lie.

[JohnKleeb]

7. the thing that bothers me really is that he says he would consider it

Does this bother me only? :shrug:

[w4rma]

8. Dean's position

...
On Wednesday, Dean said since his appearance on "Meet the Press," he has consulted with experts and concluded that no increase in the retirement age would be necessary. A better solution, he said, would be to raise the salary limit.

"I'm willing to take it off entirely if we need to," he said.
...

[unfrigginreal]

9. Which is as it should be

When Dean is confronted with a question, he'll give you the immediate answer off the top of his head, but then will consult with experts on what the proper solution should be. I suspect that we'll be hearing "I don't know the answer to that" quite a bit, while he gathers the facts.

And BTW, there shouldn't even be a question about removing the cap on FICA, that should be a given coming from him and I'll be watching with interest.

[Demobrat]

11. YES!!!!!!

That's exactly what we need to do!!! As somebody who's approaching the salary limit, I say take it off. I'd rather be taxed now and have SS be there when I'm too old to work, thanks. God I love Dean.

[study_war_no_more]

5. Im impressed Dennis called him on the issues

Nobody else (DLC) dared question his stand on defence NAFTA and social security.
Go Dennis

[0007]

10. I like a person who will let it all hang out!

I like Dean, but can't help liking what I see in Dennis.

[The Zanti Regent]

12. I can live with Dean, Clark, Bob Graham, or Kucinich

What impresses me is that Dean isn't afraid of the Presstitutes!