AARP Misleads Seniors
by Charles Jarvis

The future of Social Security is critical--not only for seniors, but for Americans of all ages. Given that importance and the key role this debate will play in the coming weeks and months in Congress, we wanted to give critical information to you. National pollster John McLaughlin has a devastating analysis of the methodology behind the recent survey released by the AARP. It shows how that organization is attempting to falsely frame the debate over reforming Social Security by manipulating the American people, Congress, and the media.

According to Mr. McLaughlin’s analysis, “AARP’s survey raises several concerns about its methodology and about AARP’s apparent attempt to obscure the true opinions of Americans about Social Security. Nonetheless, the survey still reveals overwhelming concern about Social Security and finding a solution now.” They are engaged in a long-running, multimillion dollar campaign to convince policy makers to suppress the problems of social security.

The following are examples of the misleading methodology:

• The survey includes no respondents under age 30, even though voters age 18 to 29 made up 17% of the 2004 electorate.
• Those age 60+ constitute 34% of the sample, yet they were 24% of the 2004 electorate.
• 20.7% of adults receive Social Security benefits. Yet 33% of AARP’s respondents report receiving benefits. This biases results against plans to strengthen Social Security since all surveys show resistance to change among Social Security recipients.
• AARP’s sample gives Democrats a six-point advantage over Republicans (37% to 31%). However, the parties made up equal percentages of the 2004 electorate (37% to 37%).
• AARP finds a right direction/wrong track margin of 32% to 60%, far below those of other recent major surveys: 46% to 53% in January 3-5 Gallup survey; 44% to 51% in January 3-5 AP/Ipsos survey; and 40% to 54% in January 5-9 Pew survey. This indicates a sample far more Democrat than are American adults.
• A 47% to 48% margin trust the President, which is similar to the Democratic Party's 48% to 43%.
• AARP finds all those age 30+ holding a favorable view of Social Security. Yet other national surveys have shown those under 55 hold a decidedly unfavorable view, again raising questions about the partisan composition of AARP’s survey.
• AARP asks respondents whether they favor or oppose allowing workers to invest some of their Social Security payroll taxes in the stock market -- never mentioning other options, such as bonds, that are seen as safe and win higher support. Even with the slanted wording, a majority of those under 50 favor the idea, and even with the skewed sample composition, the idea only loses by a slim 43% to 48%.
• AARP asks respondents whether they agree “Social Security should be protected as a guaranteed benefit, and should not be privatized.” Yet no one has proposed privatizing the Social Security system and Social Security benefits are not now “guaranteed.”
• AARP also asks whether respondents agree “We have a responsibility to meet our obligation to people currently on Social Security to protect their benefits.” This clearly implies to respondents that personal account proposals threaten retirees’ benefits even though the President and others have emphasized that no proposal would affect retirees or those near retirement.

Rather than conduct a survey to gauge real opinion, the AARP chose their sample and their questions to deliver the results they wanted. Despite these efforts to skew the survey, the reality is still clear that seniors and all Americans understand that Social Security needs reform and it needs to be done now. Example: 88% to 6% say problems should be addressed now, not later.

It is important that members of Congress who hear from the AARP on issues of importance to seniors understand the extent to which they are falsely framing the debate over Social Security. The AARP continues to engage in a consistent, deceitful campaign to demagogue the Social Security issue, frighten seniors and policy makers alike, and confuse the public.

While we thought it was important to call your attention to these developments, this comes as no surprise to those who have followed the actions of the AARP. The organization is committed to a political agenda that is out of line with the views of their members and they will do anything to advance that agenda.

For the good of America’s seniors, their grandchildren, and citizens of all ages, we must work toward true reform of Social Security that protects our seniors and gives real opportunities for prosperity to workers of all ages. President Bush is right; we need an Ownership Society. We need to transform Social Security from a ticking Debt Bomb to a Prosperity Machine for all.

Charlie Jarvis, Chairman and Chief Executive, USA Next . USA Next is the national grassroots association dedicated to Uniting the Generations for America’s Future. We are champions for families to have expanded Investment Freedom, Health Care Freedom, Retirement Freedom, and Tax Freedom.

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