I didn't see the telecast so take everything I say with a shaker full of salt.
From what I've read about the telecast - transcripts, commentary, etc., he might be getting better at
speaking but he's not getting any better at
thinking, particularly when it comes to foreign policy. He still thinks in pretty black-and-white terms and has an um...un-nuanced understanding of the issues involved.
I don't have any problem with scaling benefits based on income - I think it's probably necessary, and is in keeping with the spirit of the social security program: providing retirement benefits for those who need it. But I'm a commie
and have no problem with wealth redistribution. I am torn about privatizing accounts - on the one hand, I don't have any illusions that I'm going to see a penny of my contributions to SS. It'd be nice to have some control over that money and invest it where I wanted, and KNOW that I was going to see some return. However, I already have a retirement account. I'm taking care of myself. If that money goes to help someone like my grandma pay her expenses now, and I never see any of it, I guess that's all right with me.