The Blubber

"We have to raise the retirement age,” Chris Christie has said.

The issue of Social Security's impending insolvency took center stage during the Republican presidential debate on Wednesday night, prompting candidates to consider raising the full retirement age, particularly for younger individuals entering the workforce.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie emphasized the necessity of raising the retirement age, stating, "We have to raise the retirement age." He added a personal touch, mentioning his 30-year-old son in the audience and expressing that adapting to a slight increase in Social Security retirement age over the next few decades should not pose a significant challenge.

Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor, echoed the sentiment that commitments to current older adults must be honored, but she suggested implementing higher retirement ages for young individuals just starting their careers. She emphasized the need to adjust rules for individuals in their 20s, aligning the retirement age with longer life expectancies.

The current full retirement age is 67 for those born in 1960 or later.

Sen. Tim Scott, however, took a different stance, pledging to safeguard Social Security for older adults without advocating for an increase in the retirement age. He assured recipients, "As president of the United States, I will protect your Social Security."

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shared his commitment to protecting Social Security for seniors, acknowledging the importance of this income source for many elderly individuals. When asked about raising the retirement age, DeSantis highlighted the decline in life expectancy in the country, suggesting a nuanced approach to such adjustments.