The danger with Social Security is the fear it could create among retirees and baby boomers close to retirement could turn into votes against Perry.
Most people don’t follow politics like we do. Many rely on MSM and you can bet MSM will distort it. If you follow cable ratings, CNN always spikes for the six month period before an election. A Gallup survey last fall indicates that 57% of Americans partially or totally distrust the media. Those most likely to trust the media are liberals and the poorly educated.
For decades, Dems have used the line of attack, "Republicans want to take away granny's SS". The attack has been leveled regardless of how a Republican stands on SS. It's on the first page of the Dem playbook right under "the GOP wants to push old people off a cliff." Avoiding mention of SS will not result in the Dems laying off the attacks. They're going to come anyhow.
We desperately need leadership who will look us in the eye and give us the unvarnished truth. The message could be honed, but Perry and all the other GOP candidates should be delivering it.