Anyone who has ridden a subway is familiar with the third rail. Two rails of the subway track carry the wheels of the subway cars, but the third rail, away from the passenger platform, carries high-voltage electricity that powers the train. Touching the third rail can result in instant death.
In the American political context, Social Security, the popular retirement program that supports millions of retirees who are often the most significant voting bloc in every election, has always been described as the third rail. Any politician who touches Social Security—by proposing substantial changes such as cutting benefits, raising the retirement age, or privatizing it—is likely to have a shortened career.
Social Security is considered untouchable, a point President-elect Trump reiterated during his Sunday interview with NBC News' Kirsten Welker.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member