Managing the National Debt

When it comes to Presidents and fiscal management, this chart explains it all.

I quote:

Reagan increased discretionary spending from $307.9 billion to $488.8 - an increase of 58.75%. At the same time, the GDP price deflator increased from 56.105 to 79.433 for an increase of 41.56%. That makes Reagan's total increase in discretionary spending 14.54%.

Clinton increased discretionary spending from $539.4 billion to $614.8 - an increase of 13.97%. At the same time, the GDP price deflator increased from 88.204 to 100.687 far an increase of 14.15%. That makes Clinton's total increase in discretionary spending -.18% (Yes you read that right; a Democrat actually shrank discretionary spendinig).

Bush increased discretionary spending from $649.3 billion to $967.9- an increase of 49.06%. At the same time, the GDP price deflator increased from 101.507 to 114.048 far an increase of 12.35%. That makes Bush's total increase in discretionary spending 36.71%.

So, in the last 25 years, one President has controlled spending and increasing the size of government - Clinton.