TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Texas Gov. Rick Perry sparred during the Republican presidential debate over Social Security’s future, each pointing to passages in the other’s book that could be damaging in a general election.
Perry defended his calling of the entitlement a “Ponzi scheme”, which Romney calls “unnecessary, over the top” language that scares seniors, a key voting bloc.
Perry says others have used similar language to discuss the program and says Romney was just as reckless when he likened the program to a criminal enterprise in his book.
Perry says he would guarantee the program for older Americans but adds that the program needs to be adjusted for younger workers. Romney says the program is essential and is vowing to defend it.
