Stephen Dubner

No one seems to acknowledge it's a big problem. But those of us who know in D.C. on both sides realize it is a big problem. A huge part of that is Social Security benefits. And a huge part of the issue there is that many people who don't, quote, need those Social Security benefits If they drew less, we would go a long way toward solving this problem.

And let me nominate myself as someone who's earned enough money over the course of my lifetime that the Social Security benefit that I receive is literally meaningless to me. And I'm going to surrender it. And I'd like to lead a charge to do that by the millions. What do you think would happen with that?

And let me nominate myself as someone who's earned enough money over the course of my lifetime that the Social Security benefit that I receive is literally meaningless to me. And I'm going to surrender it. And I'd like to lead a charge to do that by the millions. What do you think would happen with that?

And let me nominate myself as someone who's earned enough money over the course of my lifetime that the Social Security benefit that I receive is literally meaningless to me. And I'm going to surrender it. And I'd like to lead a charge to do that by the millions. What do you think would happen with that?

I would assume he does. Social security, you have to start drawing at a certain point. So that suggests we have another president who could give the same commercial. What do you think would happen if Donald Trump would say to the camera, look, people, I've looked at the deficit situation. Social security is a huge part of this.

I would assume he does. Social security, you have to start drawing at a certain point. So that suggests we have another president who could give the same commercial. What do you think would happen if Donald Trump would say to the camera, look, people, I've looked at the deficit situation. Social security is a huge part of this.

I would assume he does. Social security, you have to start drawing at a certain point. So that suggests we have another president who could give the same commercial. What do you think would happen if Donald Trump would say to the camera, look, people, I've looked at the deficit situation. Social security is a huge part of this.

And a huge part of that is that too many rich people are drawing social security benefits that they don't need. So for the good of this country, let's stop that. I'm a billionaire. I don't need the social security. I'm going to give it up. Why don't you? What would happen then?

And a huge part of that is that too many rich people are drawing social security benefits that they don't need. So for the good of this country, let's stop that. I'm a billionaire. I don't need the social security. I'm going to give it up. Why don't you? What would happen then?

And a huge part of that is that too many rich people are drawing social security benefits that they don't need. So for the good of this country, let's stop that. I'm a billionaire. I don't need the social security. I'm going to give it up. Why don't you? What would happen then?

But based on everything you've told me today, there is no way I'm going to hold my breath until that happens.

But based on everything you've told me today, there is no way I'm going to hold my breath until that happens.

But based on everything you've told me today, there is no way I'm going to hold my breath until that happens.

That was my next question. In fact, I was looking them up as you were talking and I was finding no help online.

That was my next question. In fact, I was looking them up as you were talking and I was finding no help online.

That was my next question. In fact, I was looking them up as you were talking and I was finding no help online.

Let's go to your second big argument that stood out to me as particularly vexing for some people, the need to raise taxes on the middle class.

Let's go to your second big argument that stood out to me as particularly vexing for some people, the need to raise taxes on the middle class.

Let's go to your second big argument that stood out to me as particularly vexing for some people, the need to raise taxes on the middle class.

Let me pause you there for a moment and just reflect on what you just said. The middle class in America is dramatically undertaxed. I would guess that maybe 3% of the people who listen to this show would nod their heads and the other 97% are sure that either they misheard or that you are some kind of fill in the blank with the worst word you can imagine. Don't shoot the messenger, please.