[optimistically_conservative]

You realize of course, using your criteria, that Clinton has been the most conservative President in at least 30 years - having held federal spending increases to significantly lower levels than any other administration?

Of course, he did it almost entirely on the back of the military, but he's still your conservative hero.

[azhenfud]

"...Clinton has been the most conservative President in at least 30 years..."

I'm laughing, but facts are facts concerning FISCAL CONSERVATISM and the Bush Administration's liberal spending habits (although I must concede Bush wouldn't be as guilty if either house demonstrated some measure of restraint). If that criteria alone were all that makes one "conservative", you've a good point - and Clinton would rank as more conservative - fiscally. However, if one compares the current admin's spending with all others since WWII, based on spending alone, Bush's admin would rank among the highest, most liberal of spenders.