Question

Imagine you are a candidate for president. Your campaign manager tells you that Social Security reform is the "third rail of politics" and is considered an issue to be avoided. Why would your campaign manager give you this advice?

Answer 1

The program is popular with seniors, who vote more often than other groups. Many senior citizens want little no no changes to happen to their security programs.

Answer 2

Since the enactment of the Social Security Act in 1935 as a response to The Great Depression, there have been a series of adjustments regarding its coverage. The act initially targeted to aid vulnerable groups such as elders, people in poverty, widows, and orphans. However, with time, there has been a tendency to move towards a more universal coverage.

A matter of constant debate between parties is the amount of federal budget destined for this purpose. Democrats tend to favor an increase in the budget and coverage in order to promote equality within all groups in society. Republicans, on the other hand, are more conservative and tend to skeptical to any proposal for adjustments. Any adjustment may also create discontent among negatively affected groups. This could directly impact a candidate's popularity if he or she promotes such a change.