[Kevin]

Some deficit is fine. In fact, it is beneficial.

This particular deficit under the control of Republicans has grown. I'm not sure that was the original intent, but it has.

Why? Well, we fought a war, we're making some fundamental changes to the country's security infrastructure. All of that costs money.

We have some fundamental conflicts within the traditional conservative platform --

strong defense vs. fighting the expansion of government
fighting a necessary war vs. not spending money we don't have

There are some true dilemnas, some real damned if you do, damned if you don't situations. I think in most cases, the administration has opted to spend money rather than risk lives.

As for cutting taxes to grow the economy, it seems to have worked fairly well since the economy is recovering. Do you think we'd be recovering quicker if taxes were higher?

Does the average American even know what the deficit is? Or do they just think deficit=bad?