Bill Clinton: “First, let's say--Medicare does not now go broke in 2001; it's got 12 years on the life of it now. We have more…”

“First, let's say--Medicare does not now go broke in 2001; it's got 12 years on the life of it now. We have more prevention, more choices, and more cost controls in the Medicare reform program that's part of the balanced budget. So it doesn't go broke now in 2001. Social Security is in better shape because of the declining inflation. But do we have to have a longer term reform for Social Security and Medicare, and should it occur before I leave office? The answer to both those questions is yes. Mr. Russert. Many believe that Richard Nixon went to China--he was the fervent anti-Communist who could make that deal. It's going to take Democrat Bill Clinton to really make tough decisions and say, ``We have to raise retirement age. We have to raise premiums. We have to reduce benefits for the next generation.'' Are you willing to do that?”