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AARP
Beliefs- The AARP is a somewhat Democratic, liberal, interest group. They believe in advancing the well being of their primary members, the senior citizens of America. They believe that everyone should have access to healthcare, and that healthcare should be equal. They believe in representing the interests of their members. However, they also believe that things such as health care should not be given out to those people that cannot afford it; although people should have equal care, they should not be given it if they do not contribute.
Political Activity/Current Lobbying or Legislation Attempts:
- The AARP is focused mainly on topics that would affect their supporters. Largely, their effort is put forth for items such as the health care reform, social security, and Medicare; however, they also have supported topics related to voter registration and making sure every person's vote is counted. Originally, AARP supporters did not agree with the support of the health care reform due to the idea that it would reduce Medicare and would raise prices; this has changed with the newer version of the reform, where the AARP believes that even though the bill does not solve everything, they "cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good" (AARP, 2010). In California, AARP has announced support of H.R. 6130, the Strengthening Medicare Anti-Fraud Measures Act (Endorses, 2010). In Florida, constitutional amendments focused on reducing gerrymandering gained the support of AARP's state branch. (Larrabee, 2010). As with most groups, the AARP is trying to increase voter registration and turnout, stating that a single vote can have a difference and that the election will determine the new majority of Congress (Mecoy, 2010).
Common Supporters/Voters
- Most of the people that support the AARP are those in the group itself. With an estimated 40 million members, the AARP mainly focuses on those that are a part of it. The age range is roughly 50 and older, as is the requirement to become a member of the group (About, 2010). The supporters of the AARP are likely to vote Democrat over Republican, which is evident due to 90% of the money contributed to the 2008 election going to Democratic candidates and committees (CBS, 2010).
Known Political Supporters- The AARP is supported by over 100 political organizations. It is widely backed.
Do they form a PAC
- The AARP does not form a PAC, but that does not mean they do not contribute to campaigns. In fact, in the 2008 election, AARP employees gave $53,200 for campaigning (Endorses, 2010).
"About AARP." AARP - Health, Travel Deals, Baby Boomers, Election News, Over 50, Online Games, Retirement Plan. Web. 05 Oct. 2010. <http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/>.
"AARP Draws Political Fire." Washington Examiner. 11 Dec. 2009. Web. 05 Oct. 2010. <http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/AARP-at-50_-Advocate_-lobbyist_-insurer_-and-government-partner-8648106-79004632.html>.
Larrabee, Brandon. "AARP Joins Supporters of Redistricting Amendments." Mayport Mirror. 16 Sept. 2010. Web. 05 Oct. 2010. <http://mayportmirror.jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/403455/brandon-larrabee/2010-09-16/aarp-joins-supporters-redistricting-amendments>.
"CBS Highlights AARP Members Defecting to Conservative ASA | NewsBusters.org."NewsBusters.org | Exposing Liberal Media Bias. 19 Aug. 2010. Web. 05 Oct. 2010. <http://newsbusters.org/blogs/brad-wilmouth/2009/08/18/cbs-highlights-aarp-members-defecting-conservative-asa>.
"AARP Endorses Bipartisan Legislation to Fight Fraud in Medicare." AARP - Health, Travel Deals, Baby Boomers, Election News, Over 50, Online Games, Retirement Plan. 21 Sept. 2010. Web. 05 Oct. 2010. <http://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/press-center/info-09-2010/medicare_fraud_letter.html>.
Johnson, Carla K. "AARP, AMA Announce Support For Health Care Bill: Largest Doctors And Retiree Groups Backing Legislation." Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. 19 Mar. 2010. Web. 05 Oct. 2010. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/19/aarp-ama-announce-support_n_506060.html>.
Mecoy, Laura. "Midterm Elections, Five Reasons to Vote; Party in Control of Congress for One - AARP Bulletin." AARP - Health, Travel Deals, Baby Boomers, Election News, Over 50, Online Games, Retirement Plan. 1 Oct. 2010. Web. 05 Oct. 2010. <http://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/info-09-2010/five_reasons_to_vote.html>.
AARP Americans home of old people!! LOL
ReplyDeleteNext to the NRA i'd have to say the AARP is the most able to sway campaigns and elections. They have the most influence too since they have over 40 million members and all those members pay a small fee of around $12. Thats a nice heft lump of money that is used for them to get thier lobbying down for medicare, SS, health care reforms, and stuff. The video was a good add-on very good and strong. It seemed aimed at our generation (duh! I know) and it made me feel like is hould go do something to help but its 8:30 and I already took a shower so instead I went on with my hw.
The AARP has a crazy amount of influence. Like Duquette said, old people dont miss elections so with 40 mil members, you better be campaigning for those elders votes. Im assuming they trend democrat though because of the health care/ social security area.
ReplyDeleteI think it is interesting how they believe in general that the people who do not contribute towards the healthcare should not receive. This tells me that while they want to have a better system they do not want a socialized system. Do you think that this group may represent the middle class of old people because there are many older people who did not save enough money and depend on their social security?
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that although most old people vote Republican, most AARP members vote Democrat.
ReplyDeleteEven if any politician doesn't support AARP (who would? they're not old), they have no choice but to support it since it is the largest special interest group. Ha, the old people are gonna take over the world through good old fashioned politics.
This is an interesting group. It’s very smart in the fact that it is able to pull senior voters to its side, even though it leans a little bit Democratic. I guess that it makes sense, because it doesn’t believe that health care should be given to everybody. However, it is still very successful in being “in the middle” and not an extreme right or left. So, it still can push some right votes somewhat to the left.
ReplyDeleteAs for the video at the top, it’s pretty legit. Very smart and innovative. Props.
First. I always am amused that older people have a trend to vote Rep. But Dems support Medicare/Soc Sec/AARP issues more.... such inconsistency there
ReplyDeleteSecond, they do give funds through PAC agencies like Moveon.org and others.