If pensions are the third rail of American politics, the AARP generates much of the lethal current. The American Association of Retired Persons, as Washington's most powerful lobbying group used to be called, hopes to destroy George Bush's plan to reform the Social Security system. The AARP'S opposition to diverting payroll taxes from Social Security into private accounts is as well known as the president's enthusiasm for "an ownership society". But the swiftness of its pre-emptive attack still came as a surprise. Even before the inauguration, the AARP had launched a $5m advertising campaign. "If we feel like gambling, we'll play the slots," say a sensible middle-aged couple in one print ad. A television blitz aimed at younger voters is coming next.
展开▼
