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The Spectacle Blog

New Poll Shows AARP Doesn't Speak for Older Americans

By Philip Klein on 7.30.09 @ 12:42PM

I've been reporting on AARP's cozy relationship with the Obama administration, particularly on health care. While the group insists that it hasn't endorsed a specific bill yet, it has been echoing White House talking points on just about every aspect of the health care debate. And just this Tuesday, the group, which purports to represent older Americans, hosted a staged "townhall" meeting with pre-screened questions allowing President Obama to promote his health care proposals. But a new Pew poll, which is bad for Obama in general, highlights just how out of touch AARP is with its own membership on the health care issue. Taking a look at the full report shows strong opposition to health care plans currently being discussed in Congress among the 50-plus crowd, which is AARP's membership base. While Pew found that within the 50 to 64 age group, a slim plurality of 45 percent supported the current proposals compared to 41 percent who opposed them, among the over-65 set, just 29 percent were supporters, compared to 48 percent opposed. In fact, those above retirement age were more opposed to current health care proposals and less supportive than any other age group. The bottom line is that AARP's full-throated support for the Democratic health care agenda stands in stark contrast to the actual sentiments of older Americans, which range from tepid support to fierce opposition.

View all comments (25) | Leave a comment

Sue| 7.30.09 @ 1:35PM

I don't sucribe to AARP and believe they are another means to "fleece the Elderly".
THEY DO NOT SPEAK FOR ME.
everything they "offer" to Sr. Citizens I have gotten for less.

Dan Horwath| 7.30.09 @ 1:42PM

Ditto to Sue! I am over 65. I have never belonged to AARP, though I have been beten to death by solicitations. They are determined to support wasted lives on the backs of my grandchildren. Shame on them all!

Linda F. Hand| 7.30.09 @ 2:16PM

I am 58 yrs. old and my husband is 59. Neither of
us are members of the AARP. I encourage all people to cancel their memberships if this organization is failing to represent them. Those who are our age need to take a stand against
this Healthcare Bill that is being forced on all of us!

FedUp| 7.30.09 @ 2:50PM

I cancelled my membership right after they started using the communist Harry Bellefonte as a spokesman. Glad I did - just wish I could do it again!

John Thacker| 7.30.09 @ 2:58PM

The AARP is an interesting organization. It was started entirely as a front for an insurance company. It became an advocacy organization partly to sell more insurance, partly just because.

It's certainly possible that AARP is selling out its members by looking for possibly being a preferred provider in the current bill.

Lew| 7.30.09 @ 3:01PM

I'm 67 and I will never join the AARP. The had me for about 6 months. They are nothing more than an extension of the Democratic Party. Government, keep your hands off my Health Care.

Richard Baker| 7.30.09 @ 3:37PM

I cancelled my AARP membership as their leadership are nothing but shills for the enslavement of America. Sorry that I ever joined. Forgive me, Lord.

Lynn Strack| 7.30.09 @ 3:56PM

I resigned my membership today. They sure dont represent me!

Charlene Gast| 7.30.09 @ 3:57PM

I cancelled my AARP membership when I found out they endorse Obama's Health Care. My health care is fine just the way it is. Too many "uninsured people" are young peope who choose not to purchase it, instead they party, eat out and buy new cars & other toys.

Joseph Brown| 7.30.09 @ 4:27PM

My brother -in-law has been dead almost eleven years and STILL gets solicitation to join AARP!
A little late.
I actually joined years ago, but quit when I realized all I got out of it was a lousy magazine.

Bill VanSickler| 7.30.09 @ 4:33PM

Today, I cancelled my AARP membership. I don't even remember how long it has been that I have beaten myself in the head to do this. Probably like a lot of other people......Obama.

Tish| 7.31.09 @ 12:14AM

Why should anyone be surprised? AARP was founded by a pair of professional con men and a med student who couldn't pass the exams to become a doctor.

Karen L| 7.31.09 @ 6:58AM

Cancelled my membership yesterday and proud of it. Dishonest organization.

Linda L| 7.31.09 @ 11:31AM

I have cancelled my membership to AARP, I am disgusted with their support for President Obama'a healthcare plan. I am originally from the UK and saw the National Health Service cause my mother's death, I do not want that for myself or anyone else. This is ageism at its worst and people need to be worried, I have seen socialised medicine in action, and it is frighteningly terrible.

Steve H| 8.3.09 @ 7:40PM

I just cancelled my membership to AARP. The operator very nice asked what was the problem, and I explained they, AARP did not have the best interest of the medical needs of elderly. She explained AARP only supported three points of the current reform bill and I explained that would be hard to fine since the last E-mail AARP sent out, requested members to contact congress to support reform. The fact is in the present political environment there is the current reform that will be devastating to the elderly or no reform at all. I told her that on the phone and also stated the powers at the top of AARP also know that fact and are more interested in a political standing as opposed to the current medical reform telling elderly death counseling maybe better then medical procedures to keep them alive.

Earl Magers| 8.4.09 @ 6:16PM

I am not a member and do not plan to join. With all of us up in Arms about Health Care I think this is a topic we should all do something about. What do you think???

Michael Atkinson| 8.5.09 @ 10:16AM

I advised AARP that they would not get another dime from my wife, me or my 95 year old father. I further advised AARP that they have betrayed their supports, and do not represent the American people, but a total socialist agenda

Joe| 8.6.09 @ 1:26PM

I turn 50 next year and know that I will be heavily solicited to join. I called AARP and told them not to bother. I am basically cancelling before I join.

jan loew| 8.6.09 @ 9:40PM

after 24 years in aarp my wife & i canceled aarp. also canceled a heath plan. this is not the first time aarp has sided with the left.

jan loew| 8.6.09 @ 9:40PM

after 24 years in aarp my wife & i canceled aarp. also canceled a heath plan. this is not the first time aarp has sided with the left.

Jackie| 8.7.09 @ 10:53AM

My husband & I have been members for 20 years, membership is being cancelled. Shame on them for being in bed with the democrat party instead of representing their members. Shame on me if I kept supporting them.

Mildred| 8.8.09 @ 2:36PM

I too am from the UK and have suffered through socialized medicine as has my family. My father died at 67 a healthy man waiting for treatment. I have endless horror stories of family and friends and the treatment that left them stranded. Today my husband and I cancelled our AARP memberships after many years. I cannot and will not support this Obamacare and this company is misleading its clients. Be very afraid of socialized medicine you will die under it. Those are NOT scare tactics.

darlene| 8.13.09 @ 6:14AM

My husband will not renew membership...
i am found another group to represent me
http://www.americanseniors.org

ross north| 11.5.09 @ 11:38PM

AARP serves no one but themselfs. Where was AARP when thay raised my retirement age to 66. Even the liberal nor the conservitives news didn't say a word!!!! T he only thing AARP will understand is if its members cancel thier membership as I did several years ago when thay started supporting something other than seniors!!!!!!

Jo| 10.19.10 @ 1:31PM

I have been solicited by AARP for years and have refused to join because of their policital association instead of focusing on their members. I encurage everyone I know not to join, even if they are a democrate because AARP is all about the money not the people.