As weve discussed several

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As we’ve discussed several times now, <$NoAd$> Tim Russert’s key role in shaping Washington conventional wisdom from his privileged perch on Meet the Press makes his views on and understanding of Social Security an important factor in how the Social Security phase-out debate will unfold.

On Sunday we flagged this question that Russert asked Bill Thomas, but now we have the official transcript

Many specific questions about Social Security. Right now we have a cost-of-living increase, a COLA increase, that is tied more to wages than actual inflation. It is inaccurate by everyone’s estimation. Should that be adjusted in order to be accurate and specifically related to inflation?

Which two very different issues does Russert appear to be confusing here?

Late Update: Drats, Atrios has already let the cat outta the bag. But, still, if Russert’s such an entitlements policy maven and doing all the crucial interviews, shouldn’t he have a better handle on what’s being discussed?

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