Ryan draws boos, applause speaking to AARP

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan drew boos and shouts of “no” — but also scattered applause — when he insisted during an address to the AARP that the Obama-backed health care law harms Medicare.

Ryan told the group Friday morning that the law weakens Medicare for today’s seniors and threatens it for the next generation.

Earlier, in a video address, Obama had set the stage for Ryan’s appearance by criticizing Ryan’s call for a voucher program that will hurt future Medicare recipients.

Before that, AARP’s CEO Barry Rand had told the crowd of more than 4,000 that the organization is nonpartisan. However, he also stressed the AARP’s support of the Affordable Care Act., saying it won’t harm guaranteed Medicare benefits.