The problem with deficits is that some times they make sense, others they don't. Think of running a christmas tree farm. You invest with no return for 5 to 7 years, then in the last year make up for all the losses. Clinton got rid of a huge deficit in a few years by not over spending when the return was coming. That makes him unique. It seems the democrats always want to spend no matter what, while the Republicans want to cry about spending in down times, then over spend in the good times (or simply give it away to the wealthy). Neither is trying to figure out how to make a surplus.