U.S. Senate Candidates Offer Their Views In Telephone Town Halls

Democratic U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and Republican challenger Hung Cao participated in separate telephone town halls in September hosted by AARP Virginia.

Questions from callers addressed a wide range of issues, from the solvency of Social Security and the rising costs of housing and prescription drugs to expanding Medicare to include dental and vision coverage.

The decision to hold separate forums than the usual “People's Debate” between candidates on the same stage was the result of scheduling and logistical challenges facing the Senate contenders. Both candidates spoke to a live audience, but booing and cheering were not allowed.

AARP Virginia Associate State Director Brian Jacks moderated both discussions.

When asked about Social Security’s future, Cao emphasized his opposition to taxing Social Security benefits. He expressed strong emotion, saying, “You guys have already been taxed on that. We are stealing from the American people. You should see me completely fired up when you take away my mom’s Social Security. This is her lifeline.”

On the topic of raising the maximum income subject to Social Security taxes, Cao pushed back, saying, “One size doesn’t fit all. To have a maximum or a minimum is arbitrary. You are hitting the middle class.”

Kaine, questioned on the same issue, supported raising the income cap on FICA taxation to address Social Security’s solvency. The most recent report by the Social Security and Medicare trustees projected that the primary Social Security trust fund would be depleted by 2033 unless changes are made.

A member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee, Kaine pointed to his work on the Older Americans Act reauthorization. “I battled on that bill for ombudsmen to work in long-term care facilities to advocate for the needs of patients and families. I battled for investments in housing for seniors, and also for resources to help the Area Agencies on Aging do better and better.”

Kaine also noted he was part of the one-vote majority that passed the Inflation Reduction Act that included a cap on insulin prices at $35 per month.

In closing, Cao stated, “I’m doing this because I love this country so incredibly much. I’ve bled for this country. You have my word: I will always put you, our Constitution, our country, and Virginia first. I’ll always fight for you.”

Reflecting on his career in public service, Kaine’s final message was: “It has been my honor to serve people throughout my entire life. I began my public service career as a missionary when I was 21 years old, then as a civil rights attorney, city councilman, governor, and now senator. It has been the honor of my life to serve Virginians. The key pieces of legislation that affect our seniors that I support include Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, the Older Americans Act, legislation against scams, funding for Area Agencies on Aging, and senior housing.”

You can listen to all of the candidate’s answers in the two telephone town halls on AARP Virginia's Facebook page and find other valuable information about how to vote in this election guide.