There's no truth to the rumor that Gordon Stewart retired aspresident of the Insurance Information Institute to run for theWhite House, but the man who was once a speechwriter for PresidentJimmy Carter did introduce a concept last year that I believe asavvy presidential candidate could ride to victory in November2008.

Mr. Stewart and the Institute–eager to broaden beyond itsproperty-casualty borders into the life, health and financialplanning sectors–held a conference in Aspen just about a year agoon “The American Social Contract: Moving Toward a 'Next Deal.'”

By “Next Deal,” Mr. Stewart means what government policy mighttake the place of the “New Deal” put forth by FDR to helpstruggling people meet their life challenges–primarily retirementand healthcare. These days, people also worry about how to financetheir kid's college education, life-time job training to keep upwith globalization, long-term care, and similar threats to anindividual's and family's well-being.

The conference brought together leading academics, economists,think tank representatives and interest groups (such as AARP),along with insurance industry organizations (including the Councilof Insurance Agents and Brokers) and government officials todiscuss the possibilities and hurdles ahead.

Among the thorny questions they tackled:

–Does our government have any responsibility to provide for itspeople beyond the common defense?

–Does citizenship carry with it any economic “rights”? If so,would healthcare be one? If so, how much healthcare, and at whatprice and cost to us all?

–If any such obligations exist, are they fundamental rights, orjust programs that may be more or less desirable and affordable atany given time?

“We found that how you interpret such questions will influencehow you feel about what is to be done,” said Mr. Stewart, on aninteractive CD-ROM about the conference produced by the Institute. “Not only expertise, butexperience and belief, will affect your view of how the socialcontract is to be revised, renewed, and/or remade.”

He went on to ask: “Will it follow the direction of the New Dealwith new codicils–a sort of “New Deal Plus”? Or will it set out onanother course, perhaps breaking new ground based on different corebeliefs?”

These are all very critical questions, and voters should demandanswers from all of 2008's presidential candidates–from bothparties. They make up the bread and butter issues confrontingvoters of all ages.

People everywhere are worried about how they will ever afford toretire? Whether a sudden illness could bankrupt them? If they'llhave adequate long-term care?

All these questions should be addressed during the nextpresidential election–along with how to achieve greater energyindependence, better protect the environment and deal with thelooming threat of terrorism, all while keeping our budget inbalance and our economy growing.

I hope to see our next president outline how they intend toimplement “The Next Deal” for all Americans during his (or her!)inauguration in January 2009. We can't afford to avoid addressingthese critical concerns any longer, and both insurance companiesand producers can be at the forefront in providing solutions.

What do you folks make of all this? What kind of “Next Deal” areyou looking for from your government?

Note: I was not at the actual meeting, so cannot report on thedialogue that went on. In fact, I found out only recently that itwas even held, when I did an exit interview with Gordon Stewartbefore he left the Institute.

However, if anyone wants more details, the Insurance InformationInstitute provided me with a DVD offering text and videohighlights. Copies are available for interested parties by calling800-331-9146. Loretta Worters, v.p. of communications, tells methere's no charge (including shipping and handling), unless youorder bulk orders.