Remind me what he did in Lebanon and what federal departments he eliminated. And how would you characterize the Senate Bush has had to work with, more than half the time under the leadership of Daschle? Regardless of how much Bush is spending, it is far less than what the Dems have asked for. Sure, the House has had a Republican majority but of what good is that when bills go to conference.
What is the answer? Who to the right of Bush can even get elected. Meantime the Dems are out campaigning on rolling back the tax cuts, the extremist judicial appointments, the lack of funding on education and homeland security, the environment, etc.
Reagan reduced non-military discretionary spending by 14%; Bush has increased non-military discretionary spending by 18%. And, that 18% won't include the prescription drug entitlement because entitlements are non-discretionary.
And how would you characterize the Senate Bush has had to work with, more than half the time under the leadership of Daschle?
Much friendlier than the House Reagan had to work with under Tip O'Neill.
What is the answer?
For Bush to behave as a fiscal conservative would.