Ben doesn't seem to understand that this smugposting is making him look exponentially more foolish and showing even an ounce of humility would likely clear the air fairly quickly. All he would need is to say something along the lines of "Ok gang, I made some comments on retirement age in the context of social security that were taken in a way that I did not intend, and I think some clarification would be appropriate here as to the exact context of my remarks." Maybe even throw in a few measured criticisms of the initial backlash and effectively paint himself as the victim of soundbite politics.
But no, he just has to lash out at people for not appreciating what a galaxybrain he is.