Cliché corner   

"One of the few maxims federal officials take as a given is that Social Security is the third rail of American politics: They touch it at their political peril." ( Chicago Tribune )

"Truly, Social Security is the third rail of politics now, and on this score, it should be." ( Dallas Morning News )

"[Senator Jim] Exon said the congressional leadership in both parties still believed that Social Security was the 'third rail' of politics — touch it and you die." ( Omaha World-Herald )

"The opponents showed that Social Security remains the 'third rail' of American politics. If you touch that electrified rail on a subway, you can die." (Durham, North Carolina, Herald-Sun)

"Once more, Social Security earned its reputation as the lethal 'third rail' of American politics." ( Washington Post )

"Right at the center of the confusion is Social Security, the 'third rail' of politics: Touch it and you're a goner." ( Fresno Bee)

From among 45 Nexis references to the "third rail,"
most mentioning Social Security, during a
four-week period in February and March.