AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, is a non-profit organization that advocates for the well-being of Americans aged 50 and above. With a membership of over 38 million people, AARP is one of the most influential organizations in the United States. However, there has been a lot of debate about whether AARP is a liberal or conservative organization. In this article, we will try to answer that question.
The History of AARP
AARP was founded in 1958 by Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired high school principal. Its original mission was to promote health insurance for retired teachers. However, the organization soon expanded its focus to include all senior citizens. Today, AARP offers a wide range of services, including health care advocacy, financial planning, and travel discounts.
AARP's Political Stance
One of the reasons why people are confused about AARP's political stance is that the organization does not endorse political candidates. AARP is officially non-partisan, which means that it does not support any political party. However, AARP does lobby for policies that benefit its members. For example, AARP has been a strong advocate for Social Security and Medicare, two programs that are generally associated with liberal politics.
AARP's Positions on Social Issues
Although AARP does not endorse political candidates, it does take positions on social issues. For example, AARP supports marriage equality, the Affordable Care Act, and the DREAM Act. These positions are generally associated with the liberal wing of American politics. However, AARP also supports issues that are traditionally associated with conservative politics, such as gun rights and tax reform.
AARP's Corporate Partners
Another reason why people are confused about AARP's political stance is that the organization has corporate partners. Some of these partners are companies that are associated with liberal politics, such as United Healthcare and Aetna. However, AARP also has partnerships with companies that are associated with conservative politics, such as Walgreens and Walmart.
AARP's Revenue
AARP's revenue comes from a variety of sources, including membership dues, royalties from its commercial partners, and donations. In 2019, AARP's revenue was $1.7 billion. Although AARP is a non-profit organization, it has been criticized for its high executive salaries and lavish spending on events and travel.
AARP's Influence
Despite the controversy surrounding its political stance, there is no denying that AARP is a powerful organization. AARP's members are politically active and are more likely to vote than the general population. AARP also has a strong presence in Washington, D.C. and is able to influence policy decisions through its lobbying efforts and its relationships with lawmakers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AARP is a non-partisan organization that advocates for the well-being of Americans aged 50 and above. Although AARP does not endorse political candidates, it does take positions on social issues that are generally associated with liberal politics. However, AARP also supports issues that are traditionally associated with conservative politics. AARP's corporate partners are also a mix of liberal and conservative companies. Ultimately, AARP's political stance is difficult to define, but its influence on American politics cannot be ignored.