Bush Shifts Focus to Race in Debate on Social Security
WASHINGTON — Race became a significant factor in the debate over Social Security on Tuesday as President Bush told African American leaders that the government retirement program shortchanged blacks, whose relatively shorter lifespan meant that they paid more in payroll taxes than they eventually received in benefits.
Bush's comments came during a private White House meeting with 22 black religious and business leaders who backed his reelection last year -- marking a new line of argument in his attempts to win support for adding worker-owned investment accounts to Social Security.
The conversation demonstrated the White House's determination to build on outreach efforts to blacks that proved effective in battleground states last year, adding Social Security to issues -- such as opposition to same-sex marriage and support for faith-based social programs -- that Republicans believe can provide common ground with black conservatives.
White House officials did not release a transcript of the hourlong meeting, but several participants said Bush was adamant that his Social Security plan had special appeal to blacks -- and that he intended to make that point in public.
"He brought to our attention that African Americans in particular need to understand how Social Security in its present condition affects the African American community," said Michelle D. Bernard, senior vice president of the conservative Independent Women's Forum, a Washington policy group.
Robert L. Woodson, who heads the National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise, said Bush's remarks were well received.
"He feels that we need to have some options," said Woodson, whose organization focuses on community revitalization efforts, largely in low-income areas.
Underscoring the rift among black leaders, the president's remarks are likely to meet resistance today when members of the all-Democrat Congressional Black Caucus are expected to visit the White House.
Caucus leaders contend that blacks rely disproportionately on disability and survivors benefits paid by Social Security, and that Bush's changes would jeopardize the entire system -- hurting black beneficiaries far more than the private accounts might help them. Furthermore, the White House's opponents argue, the vagaries of the stock market could leave holders of private accounts with fewer benefits than the current system guarantees.
