The United States has had a balanced budget throughout most of its history - with little surplus and little deficit most fiscal years. In recent presidencies beginning in the 1960's and 1970's, however, the deficit grew, and the United States' national debt dramatically expanded.
This trend has continued exponentially, leading to an outrageously large deficit. As the country continues to drive itself into a fiscal hole, burying itself further in debt, the need to eliminate the deficit becomes ever more urgent.
During President Clinton's term, he pulled off the so-called "impossible" task of producing very good surpluses.
We call the government to reduce and eliminate the deficit within 10 years primarily through budget cuts to counteract proposed increases in spending.