Obviously something has to be done but it must be done carefully.
A smart leader helps the voter understand that the system they fear losing is in danger of wholesale destruction, and they must accept some reforms in order to be able to rely on it.
“Don’t kill the golden goose.”
“We must rescue Social Security from decades of Congressional neglect and irresponsibility. That will mean some sacrifice from those who need it the least (younger would-be retirees and wealthy retirees) in order for it to be there for those who need it the most.”
My idea for “reforming” social security starts with completely unrelated regulation and ends with totally private individual choice retirement funds.