George Bush at his Finest 


From a press conference during the President's Social Security Roadshow: A reporter asked a question about how the President's new plan would fix the problems Social Security is stated as having. The president responds (keep in mind, a DIRECT quote from the White House transcript of the event):
"Because the -- all which is on the table begins to address the big cost drivers. For example, how benefits are calculate, for example, is on the table; whether or not benefits rise based upon wage increases or price increases. There's a series of parts of the formula that are being considered. And when you couple that, those different cost drivers, affecting those -- changing those with personal accounts, the idea is to get what has been promised more likely to be -- or closer delivered to what has been promised.

"Does that make any sense to you? It's kind of muddled. Look, there's a series of things that cause the -- like, for example, benefits are calculated based upon the increase of wages, as opposed to the increase of prices. Some have suggested that we calculate -- the benefits will rise based upon inflation, as opposed to wage increases. There is a reform that would help solve the red if that were put into effect. In other words, how fast benefits grow, how fast the promised benefits grow, if those -- if that growth is affected, it will help on the red.

"Okay, better? I'll keep working on it. (Laughter.)
This guy needs some serious speech lessons and some real coaching on the actual issues. The administration has already conceded that this plan (personal investment accounts for part of your SS money) won't fix the problems facing Social Security, and yet the answer above is so "muddled" as to be completely non-sensical. A simple, "It won't fix the problem," would do, but apparently the President doesn't quite get this yet. Wouldn't be the first time. Or perhaps he just can't admit to it.


Link to White House transcript. 

 

Posted: Mon - February 7, 2005 at 01:52 PM          


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