Obama Gets Behind Increasing Social Security Benefits

In yet another example of Obama’s liberal streak finally coming out, yesterday he endorsed the idea of increasing benefits that Social Security pays out. This is an idea that both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders support and now, with Obama on board, it will hopefully be an issue that Democrats can run on effectively in the fall.  And this is just another example of this Democratic President positioning the party to the left in anticipation of an election as opposed to trying to fudge the differences with Republicans as has happened too often in the past. It is also a way for Obama to help solidify his legacy in the future if he can help Democrats win a solid victory in November. And he should be able to carry that message around the country during the campaign as his approval ratings are above 50%.

Only six years ago, Obama was essentially offering to cut Social Security by changing to a “chained CPI” formula that Republicans, thankfully, rejected with the failure of the Grand Bargain in 2011. The change in the Democratic position started with just the one lone voice of Atrios on the blog Eschaton. So, anytime you ever think that you can’t make a difference, please think of Atrios and how his one simple idea that went against the grain of established opinion could end up benefitting the lives of millions of Americans both now and in the future. Thanks Atrios!!