National debt by party

[eridani]

http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/04/11/6449899-mr-obama-please-report-to-the-front-desk

Two things -- the national debt Republicans are now so upset about is their debt. They created it by starting multiple wars and handing out tax cuts for the rich.

Second, the real way national debt gets reduced is by growing the economy. If you create prosperity and levy fair taxes, then you increase revenue and pay down your debt. That's exactly the pitch the White House made back in December about its deal with Republicans to extend the Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthy in exchange for ones that benefit the working and middle classes. "The fact is, we're gonna grow our way out of these problems, and the foundation of that growth is going to be right here," White House adviser Austan Goolsbee said, underlining the investments in ordinary people.