Smart organizational move by the Democrats
by digby
This is good:
Today, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), alongside Representatives John Larson (D-CT), and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) joined seniors and activists for a press conference introducing the new Expand Social Security Caucus.
The Expand Social Security Caucus is bicameral, chaired by Sanders and Warren in the Senate and by Larson, Dingell, Terri A. Sewell (D-AL), Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), and Rep. Conor Lamb (D-PA) in the House.
Currently, the caucus has over 150 members, including 18 Senators. It will provide the leadership to ensure that expanding Social Security is a key part of the Democratic agenda next year and beyond. Over a dozen bills have already been introduced in the Senate and House to expand Social Security.
Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, emceed the press conference and co-authored an opinion piece in The Hill celebrating the caucus launch. He has been a leader in the movement to protect and expand Social Security for years, and is available for radio, print, and television interviews to discuss the caucus.
Video of the event, including the lawmakers’ remarks, is available here.
“Social Security is a lifeline for seniors and Americans with disabilities. We won’t let it be cut by one cent – and instead we will fight to expand it,” Warren said. “The rich and powerful have rigged our economy to make themselves richer, while working families face a massive retirement crisis. If this government really works for the people, it should protect and expand Social Security.” – Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Note that this is a cross-section of the Party, not just progressives. Conor Lamb is running in Pennsylvania as a moderate.
The center is shifting to the left. And focusing on expanding Social Security as that happens is smart. It’s not only the right thing to do, old people vote. And if you look at the latest polling, Trump is not as popular among old people as people think:
Note that only 38% of people over 60 approve compared to 43% of the 30-59 year olds. And they vote.