I've appropriated Newt's often mischaracterized quote regarding Medicare reform on purpose.

That line did a great deal of damage to Medicare reform as it was endlessly aired in ads targeting the elderly to scare them. Similar tactics have been used regarding social security reform and lets face it, without the support of the elderly, and their huge voter turnout, nothing gets done.

Yesterday, a new Rasmussen Reports survey was released and of particular note is the following :
Sixty-seven percent (67%) of those under 30 favor the plan while 56% of those over 65 are opposed. Among senior citizens, 46% are strongly opposed.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/healthcare/august_2009/support_for_congressional_health_care_reform_falls_to_new_low

If this trend continues, reform is dead in the water as none but the most secure elected official will be able to withstand the loss of the elderly vote.