Most of the presidential candidates have not mentioned Social Security, Medicare, or other retirement issues.   Odd as millions of baby boomers will turn 62 next year and start drawing benefits.  Hillary Clinton did take the first step today in announcing a new type of retirement plan.

Americans would be allowed to contribute as much as $5,000 in tax-deferred funds each year to the ``American Retirement Accounts,'' Clinton said. Depending on household income levels, the government would then offer tax credits of as much as $1,000.

Couples who make $60,000 or less a year would be eligible for a dollar-to-dollar match on the first $1,000 they put into the retirement account, Clinton said. Couples making between $60,000 and $100,000 a year would be eligible for a 50 percent match, or $500 on the first $1,000 deposited.

Clinton, 59, said she would encourage employers to offer a direct-deposit option into the new accounts.

The former first lady also spoke about Social Security today, saying she has a ``fundamental commitment'' to the program. ``We've got to fight and finally bury the idea of privatizing Social Security,'' she said.