[PugetSoundSoldier]

Can you send me your raw data? I did an editorial stating the same basic thing, and would love (and would reference) to include your expanded findings. I'll extend my data set in the graph, to take it back to 1980.

Parsifal,

This graph should be quite self-explanatory:

Basically, who is the President is really immaterial, as the budget does not come from the President, but from the Congress. And there is a very high correlation between falling deficits and GOP control of the budgetary process. Letting the Democrats control either (or worse, both) chamber will increase the deficits.

[adamjeeps]

Your graph is much better than my data. It is interesting to see how the Dems controlled Congress pretty much from the 40’s through 1994. The data is readily available from many sources and probably much easier to read than what I have.

I just get sick and tired of hearing how Clinton reduced the deficit and Bush spent too much. I am sick of the Dems asking why we were not upset over Bush's deficit spending, but they forget that the deficit did not skyrocket until the 2006 Democrat Congress wins. They call us the hypocrites but have no clue as to how the budget actually works.

I hope someone points these facts out during the TEA Party weekend because I know CNN and the drive-by’s will say Bush started the problem.

[ronnietherocket2]

save for lib smashing

[DennisR]

That is why we have to starting pushing back! And the first thing we do is tell Congress that the money we will allow them to spend in the future is LIMITED. There will be no more fiscal insanity by an incompetent, inept, irresponsible Congress. We, the people, need to be protected by law from Congressional insanity.

http://pushbackuntil.com

[maddock]

while I don’t disagree with your overall assessment. There is a major, and obvious, flaw in this graph.
The last two points which you have colored blue represent the years 2007 and 2008 both years that Bush 43 was in office. Obama entered the office in Jan. 2009. although your graph has a point labeled 2009 the line connecting to it is representing the year 2008. For which, you must agree Bush 43 is responsible. Obama has done some damage since then, but give W. his due, he was no frugal spender either.