In an apparent reference to the tough negotiations that are likely to accompany any long-term fix, John Rother, AARP's policy chief, told the Wall Street Journal, "The ship was sailing. I wanted to be at the wheel when that happens."
To Kingson, that sounds like AARP is too willing to compromise just to get a seat at the negotiating table.
"You know they talk about the ship — as the ship moves forward, my worry is that the ship might be the ship Titanic for older Americans, and for people with disabilities and for our kids unless they redirect what they're willing to accept," Kingson says.