We’re so excited to announce today the kickoff of a new seven-figure national education campaign designed to educate and mobilize voters in key battleground states on the issues of Social Security and Medicare.

“This election will likely define the future of the nation’s social insurance safety net.  The differences between most candidates in races from the White House to Congress on the future of Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid are stark.  However, those policy differences are often hidden behind poll-tested language in which “save” means slash and “protect” means privatize.  It’s no wonder so many Americans, especially seniors, aren’t sure what to believe. The National Committee’s national Truth Tour is designed to provide all voters with the facts. There are differing plans for the future of these programs — which serve virtually every American family. Explaining how these plans could impact the middle-class is key to our voter education strategy.”Max Richtman, NCPSSM President/CEO

We’ve talked here before about the GOP’s strategy to befuddle and confuse voters with a dodge and weave message on their plans for Medicare. The National Republican Congressional Committee ‘s tips for their candidates is pretty simple, don’t try to persuade voters that the Romney/Ryan plan is the right policy for Americans, instead simply pivot back to “Obamacare cuts Medicare” .

 “Do not say: ‘entitlement reform,’ ‘privatization,’ ‘every option is on the table,’ … Do say: ‘strengthen,’ ‘secure,’ ‘save,’ ‘preserve, ‘protect.’”  NRCC Medicare Memo

NCPSSM’s Truth Tour is one of the largest grassroots educational campaigns in our long history of defending Social Security and Medicare. It kicks off on Friday, September 14th with a National Pledge Day and launches in the key battleground states of Ohio and Virginia.  National Committee Representatives in cities and towns across the country will stage rallies and activities to encourage voters to sign pledges promising to vote only for candidates who will preserve Social Security and Medicare benefits for current and future generations.

As the pledge drive continues throughout September and October, the campaign will also include voter education sessions led by local and nationally recognized experts, a six-figure paid media campaign including radio, on-line and mobile billboard advertising, door-to-door canvassing, new national polling, tele-town halls, social media outreach and an expanded grassroots field operation.

Live in Ohio or Virginia?  Join Us at These Kickoff  events

Ohio, September 14-15: Entertainer Jon Bauman, best know as “Bowzer” of the group Sha Na Na, turns 65 on September 14th.  He’ll mark his birthday by enrolling in Medicare and urging Ohioans to get the truth about candidates’ plans for the future of vital programs serving millions of American retirees. The Truth Tour mobile billboard truck will also be on hand as Bauman visits Ohio events in Marietta and Canton on September 14th with additional stops in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Toledo on September 15th.  The full schedule is available at TheTruthNow.org.

Virginia, September 14: NCPSSM President/CEO, Max Richtman, will join Virginia seniors at a National Pledge Day event in Richmond urging Virginians to make it clear to candidates that Medicare and Social Security benefits are vital to the future of generations of Americans.  Details are here.

 

 

Get Involved – Wherever You Live

We hope our National Committee members and supporters will join us at any Truth Tour event that comes to your town.  But even if you can’t — there are a number of ways you can still make your voice heard.