Donnelly, Braun Avoid Specifics On Social Security, Medicare

U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) and Republican challenger Mike Braun both seek to assure seniors they’ll protect Medicare and Social Security.

But neither gave many specifics in recent AARP Indiana town halls.

Braun says future generations will have to make tough decisions on Social Security and Medicare. But he’ll only say what those decisions shouldn’t be.

“You either raise the retirement age, cut benefits, or you’d have to raise taxes. And believe me, that would be a very uncomfortable conversation," Braun says.

Republicans criticize Donnelly for two votes in particular – to defend the Affordable Care Act and oppose the federal tax reform bill. But Donnelly uses those votes as his shield in the Medicare and Social Security debate.

“The Affordable Care Act extended the life of Medicare approximately another eight years," Donnelly says. "It solidified the program.”

Donnelly says the tax bill adds billions to the deficit and threatens Social Security and Medicare. Braun is a proponent of that bill.