In an outgrowth of the political debate on health care reform, up to 60,000 Americans have canceled AARP memberships to join a conservative organization that opposes the Obama proposal.
>> Sharyl Attkisson: CBS News has learned that up to 60,000 people have cancelled their AARP memberships since July 1st angered over the groups position on healthcare. Elaine Guardiani has been with AARP for 14 years.
>> Elaine Guardiani: I'm extremely disappointed in the AARP.
>> Sharyl Attkisson: Retired nurse Dale Anderson, 12 years.
>> Dale Anderson: I don't want to be connected with AARP.
>> Sharyl Attkisson: Many are switching to the American Seniors Association, a group that calls itself the conservative alternative.
>> A 1,000 new members today, so far, that's good.
>> Sharyl Attkisson: Last week alone they added more than 5,000 new members. Our camera was there Friday when the mail came.
>> It's nice to see that someone still thinks we senior citizens are not idiots.
>> Sharyl Attkisson: Letters were filled with cut-up AARP cards.
>> I think that probably the seniors are most upset about their cuts in Medicare.
>> Sharyl Attkisson: The American's Seniors Association is flat out against President Obama's plan, which calls for 313 billion dollars in Medicare cuts over ten years. The AARP is widely viewed as supporting the President.
>> We have the AARP on board because they know this is a good deal for our seniors.
>> Sharyl Attkisson: The AARP called the President's statements inaccurate, saying it hasn't endorsed any plan or bill. Some were left with the feeling that AARP was waffling.
>> I feel they're supporting it through the backdoor and telling their members that they're not through the front door.
>> There's been some confusion as to whether AARP is supporting or endorsing the President's plan or not. Which is it?
>> AARP has not endorsed any plan at this point.
>> Sharyl Attkisson: Yet, the AARP's Cheryl Mathesis couldn't find anything to quibble with, including the Medicare cuts, which she says will not affect benefits. So is there anything in President Obama's plan that you don't like?
>> We agree with many of the ideals, but we actually haven't seen provisions and legislation yet, so we are not, you know, we are going to reserve judgment until we see them.
>> Sharyl Attkisson: Meantime, the AARP's image suffered with this town hall meeting August 4th, already seen by hundreds of thousands on Youtube. Faced with skeptical questions from the audience, the AARP representative ends the meeting abruptly.
>> I'm done.
>> Sharyl Attkisson: When the discussion continues, she pulls the plug on the microphone. AARP says for a group with 40 million members that add hundred of thousands each month, losing 60 thousand is just a drop in the bucket. But to the much smaller American Seniors Association it's a flood. Sharyl Attkisson, CBS News, Washington.
==== Transcribed by Automatic Sync Technologies ====
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