In all the debates about Social Security, one issue has been absent. Taxing incomes above the $113,700 (2013) limit. It seems absurd not to tax -- at the same rates -- people with incomes above that number. All of our problems would be solved. No matter what the republicans say, here is another opportunity for the wealthy to pay their fair share.
I think that the President should not give away Chained CPI in search of some grand bargain. Women, whose average SS annual payment is $13,000/pa (men's is $18,000) lose about $8,000 by their 80s under that formula. And remember, Medicare does not pay for glasses, hearing aids, or dental. And SS is the only income for 40% of women. And of those, 40% get the $13,000. This would slide many old women into poverty and keep them there.