McCain wants Social Security 'on table'

NEW YORK, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. John McCain has supporters wondering what path he favors in handling the thorny issue of changes to Social Security, The New York Times says.

McCain, the presumed GOP presidential candidate, says that "everything has to be on the table" in discussing Social Security, which was signed into law 73 years ago Thursday and is considered by some to be a dangerous issue for a politician to deal with.

But, it seemed unclear what McCain, R-Ariz., wants done after it's all "on the table," the report says.

He appeared to open the door to an increase in Social Security taxes but later the same week seemingly closed the door. He also had an ally call a tax increase "dumb," the Times said.

Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., McCain's likely Democratic opponent in November, suggests raising payroll taxes but only for the rich.

He also has been attacked for his stand but most of the dissent hasn't come from his own party and is not as strong as that leveled at McCain, the Times said.

Both candidates agree adjustments to the Social Security formula are necessary.