Right, you're not using the War as an excuse. I look at government spending as how much it really needs, not how much we can afford. Therefore, justifications as a percentage of GDP or any other measure mean nothing to me. GWB's no veto record tells me all I need to know.
I do grant that you are talking about the deficit and I recognize your point that we all pretty much agree that spending is out of control.
I too am disquieted at the "no veto" record. At the same time I see a president who has openly stated that he is able to work with a republican congress to get legislation that they both can agree on. Think about it, he now has a Republican Congress, Senate and a GW Bush cabinet. If he can shrink, government, get a fair tax, win the war, and reform SS without a veto, GO FOR IT Mr. President.