Republicans and the Debt

By Taylor Marvin

From the Daily Show, February 1st. John Stewart interviews Michael Steele and discusses the Republican party’s new message:

Stewart: “They’re selling themselves as the party of fiscal responsibility.”

Steele: “I think historically that has been where the root of the party is.”

Graph time:

Source: US Office of Management and Budget

The idea that Republicans has historically been the more fiscally responsible party isn’t true. That doesn’t mean that Republicans aren’t the more fiscally responsible party now, but the narrative of a strong Republican fiscal record is a meme that needs to die.