Mitt Romney knows how to aggravate select groups - teachers, government workers, women, climate researchers and more.
And he did it again during the debate, though it's just beginning to resonate. The latest group? The near 20 million Americans between the ages of 55 and 59.
Before Wednesday's debate, Romney had assured seniors that "those under 55" didn't have to worry. But during the debate, some 20 million sets of ears went on alert:
Romney: Well, Jim, our seniors depend on these programs, and I know anytime we talk about entitlements, people become concerned that something's going to happen that's going to change their life for the worse.
And the answer is neither the president nor I are proposing any changes for any current retirees or near retirees, either to Social Security or Medicare. So if you're 60 or around 60 or older, you don't need to listen any further.
Anyone over the age of 50 was all ears. The shell game is upsetting for both Republicans and Democrats in that age group, most of whom have worked 30 or more years and paid taxes for the program.
And seniors 60 years and older have good reason to be wary. Medicare, Part A, depends on tax revenues paid by current workers. Younger members of that workforce will howl about paying a payroll tax - 1.45 percent for employees, 2.9 percent for the self-employed - for a program slated to end as we know it. Program morale will decline. Public support will vanish. Doctors and other providers will be squeezed. The program will collapse when it's needed most - as baby boomers age.
Reckless talk about drastic changes puts the program at risk for all.