Biden will represent older Americans who are accustomed to Medicare and Social Security. Republicans would not want people in Ohio and Florida to watch that debate.
Seeing that Ryan's plan would not change anything for older American's I am not so sure about this.
This is assuming they aren't jealous bastards who don't care about their kids or grandkids. Why is there an exemption down to 55 years old besides electoral advantage? Is there any valid reason for it? Those already enrolled in Medicare should be allowed to continue, but why exempt those who are years away from enrolling?
The logic is probably that it gives those close to enrolling a pass since their financial planning was done with the understanding that they would be able to enroll. I'm sure there is some electoral consideration involved too. Obviously a budget plan must be able to actually pass for it to actually happen. The line has to be drawn somewhere and Ryan chose 55.
Discussing changes to the Medicare/Social security system is one of the unspeakable truths in American politics, that it will one day collapse if significant changes are not made. It remains to be seen if the voters will appreciate such honesty or eviscerate him for breaking the taboo. By choosing Ryan, Romney may have defined this election as such.
The choice is whether we do this while preserving tax cuts for the rich (hell Romney and Ryan want to cut their taxes more) or do we have a balanced approach. To be honest no candidate is running on a balanced approach, but personally I find letting the wealthy off the hook at the expense of middle class seniors as unacceptable. Obviously pain needs to be shared, but the Romney and Ryan plan would shift the pain on to those who can least afford it, and none to those who can most afford it.
