Dukakis Chides Bush for Stand on Social Security

Democrat Michael S. Dukakis chided Republican rival George Bush today for once referring to Social Security as “largely a welfare program,” and promised never to use Social Security trust funds to help balance the federal budget.

“You know, when election time rolls around, Mr. Bush likes to say he is a great friend of older Americans,” Dukakis told a lunchtime crowd at a senior citizens center in Boston.

“Maybe he thinks we all have amnesia,” the Democratic nominee said. “Because it was just over three years ago--May 10, 1985--that George Bush cast the tie-breaking vote in the Senate to deny you a cost-of-living increase in your Social Security and to make you pay more for your medical benefits. And Dan Quayle voted with him and against you.”

If elected, Dukakis said, he and vice presidential running mate Lloyd Bentsen would “stop the attack on Social Security and Medicare and we’ll stop it cold.”

Accompanied by his 85-year-old mother, Euterpe, and New York Gov. Mario M. Cuomo, the Massachusetts governor said the National Economic Commission studying ways to reduce the budget deficit “won’t get to first base” in a Dukakis Administration if it recommends cuts in Social Security benefits.

“I am committed to maintaining full benefits and cost-of-living increases,” Dukakis said. “No matter what the commission recommends, as President I will ensure that the nation honors its commitments so that current and future beneficiaries can count on the promise of Social Security.”

Dukakis took time out from preparations for his nationally televised debate with Bush on Sunday at Winston-Salem, N.C.

Dukakis aides said Cuomo may return to Boston on Friday, when Dukakis is to take part in a mock debate.

Dukakis spent much of Wednesday studying for the debate and has rented a meeting room in a Boston hotel for practice sessions. New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley was in town to offer advice Wednesday and is expected back Friday. Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton also is to visit Dukakis in advance of the debate.