It’s no surprise that 46 percent of Americans expect to be financially insecure when they retire, anticipating their government and employers will do next to nothing to help them. But these grim fears also open up a political opportunity.

As 18 million Baby Boomers brace for the financial insecurity of old age, Democrats are pushing to expand Social Security and other elderly benefits. Politicians who address retirement understand they can reach not only the elderly, but those who care for them. Few issues in American politics cut across so many constituencies, and affect the lives of so many.

The political calculus is changing. Read more: The New Republic »