Social Security has become a focal point for many voters, with President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump presenting divergent strategies for addressing the program’s challenges, prompting keen interest among Americans.
Exclusive polling conducted for Newsweek by Redfield & Wilton Strategies on April 6 reveals that President Biden’s approach to Social Security resonates more with the public. The survey of 4,000 respondents unveiled that 48 percent would be less inclined to support a candidate advocating Social Security cuts, as reported by Newsweek on May 26.
This statistic underscores Social Security’s significance to American voters and their aversion to proposed program reductions.
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The poll also sheds light on trust levels concerning Social Security. 41 percent of respondents expressed trust in Biden on this issue, compared to 36 percent for Trump. This trust disparity indicates that Biden’s Social Security policies garner favor among a substantial portion of the electorate.
Biden’s Social Security plan focuses on protecting and expanding the program. He has consistently vowed against cutting benefits and proposed measures to ensure its solvency. These include raising payroll taxes for high-income earners to prolong the program’s viability without diminishing benefits. Additionally, Biden advocates for boosting benefits for older beneficiaries and implementing a more generous cost-of-living adjustment formula to better reflect seniors’ expenses.
In contrast, Trump’s record on Social Security has been contentious. While he pledged no cuts during his 2016 campaign, his administration proposed budget cuts that included reductions to disability benefits. Concerns were also raised about the impact of his payroll tax cuts on Social Security’s funding, although no major program changes were enacted.
The Redfield & Wilton Strategies poll echoes a broad consensus among Americans that Social Security merits protection and enhancement rather than cuts.
As the 2024 election nears, both Biden and Trump are likely to highlight their Social Security plans. Biden aims to reinforce his commitment to safeguarding and enhancing the program for future generations, while Trump may seek to clarify his stance and assure voters of Social Security benefits protection.
The varying trust levels in Biden and Trump regarding Social Security reflect broader public sentiment. Biden’s emphasis on protection and expansion aligns with the preferences of a significant portion of the electorate, evident in the poll results. Meanwhile, Trump faces the challenge of assuring voters that his plans won’t jeopardize Social Security’s stability.
