Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) gave a speech on the Senate floor on Thursday slamming President Obama for going back on repeated assurances that Social Security would not be part of deficit reduction talks. Obama's proposal involves chained CPI, which would bring a reduction in Social Security benefits.

Mr. President, I must tell you that I am disappointed. Because I thought I heard a few weeks ago my friends in the White House telling us that Social Security [...] has nothing to do with deficit reduction [...] And that Social Security should be off the table in terms of deficit reduction. I heard that many, many times. So I wonder how Social Security suddenly has gotten back on the table including a chained CPI with devastating cuts to seniors and disabled veterans. [...]

I have to tell you, Mr. President, that when Barack Obama was campaigning for president in 2008, he told the AARP [...] "John McCain's campaign has suggested that the best answer for the growing pressures on Social Security might be to to cut cost of living adjustments or raise the retirement age. Let me be clear: I will do neither." Barack Obama, Sept. 6, 2008….

[Continued at CommonDreams--including video of speeches by Sen. Sanders and Rep. Dennis Kucinich]