Sanders presses Clinton on Social Security plan

by Jonathan Easley - 04/14/16 11:13 PM ET

Bernie Sanders sought to buttonhole Hillary Clinton on whether she’d support lifting the cap on taxable income to extend the life of Social Security in a tense exchange at Thursday’s Democratic presidential debate.

Asked by CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer whether she’d support lifting the cap on taxable income, Clinton replied: “I have said repeatedly I’m going to make the wealthy pay to extend the Social Security trust fund. That is one way. If that’s the way we pursue, I’ll follow that. But there are other ways.”

{mosads}“Interesting comment, but you didn’t answer the question,” Sanders responded.

The two argued over one another, with Clinton claiming she had answered the question and Sanders shooting back: “What’s wrong with it, are you prepared to support it?”

“I have supported it,” Clinton said. “We are in vigorous agreement here, senator. We’re having a discussion about the best way to raise money from wealthy people to extend the Social Security trust fund. Think about what the other side wants to do. They’re calling Social Security a Ponzi scheme and want to privatize it. … We both want to make sure Social Security is vibrant and well-funded.”

Sanders bragged that he drew Clinton over to his side on the issue.

“If that’s the case, welcome on board. I’m glad you’re here,” the Vermont senator said.

But Clinton seemed to equivocate, leaving room for interpretation as to whether she supports Sanders’s proposal.

“Maybe I’m a little confused,” he shot back. “Are you or are not supporting lifting the cap on taxable income?”

Clinton said Congress should look into taxing “passive income” of wealthy individuals.

“I have said yes, we’re going to pick the best way or combination of ways,” the former secretary of State said, to which Sanders threw up his hands.

“It’s always a little bit challenging because if Sen. Sanders doesn’t like the way you’re approaching something, you’re a member of the establishment,” Clinton responded.

Tags Bernie Sanders Hillary Clinton New York Social Security