Kuster: 'It's All Political Theater'

Elaine Thomas was taking careful notes while listening to Annie McLane Kuster talk about the differences between her own platform on Medicare, and that of her opponent, Republican Charlie Bass.

"I'm taking notes because I want to clarify in my mind what the facts are, so I can give the information to others – especially others who don't agree with me," said Thomas, a dedicated Democrat who says lack of reliable information makes it especially hard for seniors to discern the truth as they prepare to go to the polls next month.

"Without information people don't have power, or facts; just opinions," Thomas said.

With just four weeks to go until Election Day, Kuster said the lack of reliable information is one of the compelling reasons for her "Standing Up for Seniors" tour.

"Charlie's intention is to end the guaranteed benefit of Medicare. I'm going around trying to clear up the misinformation – like the calls his campaign is making to voters, meant to frighten seniors," Kuster said.

Kuster was referring to stories told during a round table discussion held Monday in Nashua with nine senior citizens, of campaign phone calls they've recently fielded from Charlie Bass' campaign.

"I found myself yelling at the person on the other end of the phone," said Joan Connacher. "She was telling me bald-faced lies about the cuts in Medicare under Obamacare."

Bass has voted in support of Paul Ryan's proposed " and maintains that the President's Affordable Care Act amounts to a "government takeover of healthcare," which "robs Medicare of more than $700 billion," a claim that has been consistently debunked by Politifact's "Truth-o-Meter" as untrue – and a point Kuster underscored during yesterday's forum.

Kuster also told the group yesterday that Ryan's proposal will only result in cost-shifting, rather than bringing down the actual out-of-pocket cost of health care, which would amount to $6,400 for seniors, Kuster said.

Beyond Medicare, Kuster said the Republicans' refusal to "take up the jobs bill to get the economy going is all political theater," Kuster said.

Forum attendee Alphonse Haettenschwiller, a former city health officer in Nashua, said he appreciated the opportunity to talk with Kuster, one on one, and that she has his vote.

As for his Presidential vote, he said he will be voting for Obama again, as he did four years ago.

"I'm not totally satisfied, but the alternative is so much worse," Haettenschwiller said. "What's really disturbing to me is that we're not addressing the real issues. The candidates are just standing around shouting at one another. Meanwhile, we have some big issues to solve, like Social Security, and health care," Haettenschwiller said.

When candidates resort to fear-mongering, it's the people who suffer.

"These problems can only be addressed if we get together," Haettenschwiller said.

According to Bass' campaign website, Bass was recognized in August of 2012 by a grass-roots organization, RetireSafe, for his stance on Medicare.

That organization is self-described as one that "advocates and educates on behalf of America's seniors on issues regarding Social Security, Medicare, health and financial well being. RetireSafe expects its government to keep its promises, protect our nation, and maintain the safety and personal freedoms of its citizens."(from the RetireSafe website).

At that time, Bass said he is working to protect Medicare benefits for seniors.

"Ensuring seniors have access to the benefits they have earned has always been a top priority of mine. Programs like Medicare and Social Security are facing significant challenges, and doing nothing to preserve and protect these programs for current and future retirees is not and cannot be an option. That's why I have supported proposals that will deliver the benefits promised to and earned by today's seniors and will preserve these programs for future generations," Bass said.

Kuster was critical of Bass not only for what she considers his "misleading" campaign rhetoric, but also for hosting a private fundraiser with House Speaker John Boehner in Derry Monday.

“It’s fitting that Congressman Bass and Speaker Boehner are sharing a stage in New Hampshire since they share an agenda in Washington,” said Kuster in a prepared statement. “Bass and Boehner both support a reckless plan that would end Medicare as we know it, hurting New Hampshire seniors, while giving millionaires new tax breaks they don’t need and America simply can’t afford.

Kuster will continue to meet with seniors in Nashua, Salem, Concord, and Peterborough all week.

“Standing up for seniors means standing against those in both parties who would cut the Social Security and Medicare benefits our seniors have earned through lifetimes of hard work,” said Kuster.

This election is a rematch for Bass and Kuster, who ran against one another for the 2nd Congressional District seat in 2010. Bass won that election by a 2 percent margin, 108,630 votes to Kuster's 105,060.