So , the question is, why are the Democrats taking the position they are on Social Security?
It seems to me, that it will drive those under age 35 at least to move to the Republican's side... so the battle must be in the 35 to 55 age bracket.... which group is larger perhaps?
I don't understand the political calculus....
Do Federal/State employees contribute to SS? (including lawmakers?)
Geezers vote in higher numbers than the young, and the young don't really vote much on retirement issues, yet. They vote on things like the draft, which slashed Bush's vote in that demographic. You can see it in the returns of ski towns and college towns, across the fruited plain, writ large, where Bush suffered his highest erosion as compared to 2000. And "well to do" geezers vote the most heavily of all, and most do not support Torie's just do it and zero out plan. Other geezers, or near geezers, or some working stiffs who have not saved a dime in their life, are just afraid of change about matters they do not, and will not, and cannot understand.
Well, first, I no longer believe they are rational. I've been saying they are "Insane" and I truly mean it. If not under the cover of "free speech" I think they would be committed.
If we start from that foundation I would have to say much of what they do is based on an instinctual non thinking level. The obstruction is guttural. Dig your feet in the sand and do not let up. They have closed their minds to the possibility they are in the wrong, or that the President may be in the right. they refuse to concede any ground to him out of pure obstinance.
IMO, they believe if they can hold the Republicans to a standstill they believe they'll gain strength in the public's eyes. They'll keep any further momentum from Republicans. They'll prevent a younger generation from growing individuality that leads to less desire to rely on them for their needs. It's all about maintaining this status of power. Even if only an illusion, if the illusion is strong enough they believe the seats will eventually follow.
They are gambling this will not backfire on them. In a new age of information medium and a driven president, I think they have chosen the wrong bet.