On Social Security, for instance, the viewer sees a video of Buck claiming, "I don’t know whether it’s constitutional or not. But it is horrible policy."

If viewers were given more context, they would also see that it was a questioner who asked Buck: "Is it constitutional for the government to have a Social Security program where it directs the monies that we put into it?"

In short, Buck is dismissing the constitutional question rather than volunteering it, before plunging into a substantive discussion of the history and future of Social Security.

Not all voters will agree with Buck’s conclusions, but they’d be better served if Bennet would debate the structural problems of the program and possible solutions rather than simplifying his opponent’s intentions and trying to foster fear. Unless Bennet believes any recommendation deviating from the status quo is extreme.   Continue reading →