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17
16
Yes No
Debate Score:33
Arguments:18
Total Votes:38
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 Yes (8)
 
 No (10)

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BenWalters(1513) pic



Was it Obama's fault that the US federal debt has exploded in the last four years?

When Obama came into office, the US debt was about 10.6 trillion dollars. Now, after about 3.75 years, it's up to 16 trillion dollars. Many blame Obama for this, but is it true?

While in office, Obama has raised spending at an anual rate of 1.4% - slower than any president in the recent past (link). However, revenues have fallen massively, due to a recession already in play when he was inaugurated. A stimulus bill was passed to try and reduce these effects (included in the spending growth rate), but this was criticized as being too small.

There is a widespread belief that the huge amount of US debt is Obama's fault, and no one elses. But how well founded is this belief really?

Yes

Side Score: 17
VS.

No

Side Score: 16

Presidents have little control over the economy. However...., I don't let that keep me from blaming him ;)

Side: Yes
2 points

This is intellectually dishonest. If you know presidents have little control over the economy, why blame him then? This is laziness on your part, as well as anyone else who thinks similarly.

Side: No

I take it you didn't see the smiley ;)

Or probably you haven't come across my debates and/or arguments ;)

Or maybe you don't understand that I don't really need a reason for not liking somebody ;)

Side: No

Just because there we have a bad economy, it doesn't mean that you should start spending more. But before someone says "Obama racked almost as much debt as Obama did" I'd like to remind you, Obama's debt rate more than twice as fast as Bush's rate.

Side: Yes
2 points

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Side: Yes
2 points

As President and Commander in Chief of the USA Obama is ultimately responsible for the major increase in national debt, crumbling economy, high unemployment, inflation and devaluation of the dollar. Any reasonable person would agree that if the economy were to have changed course and flourished, unemployment numbers lowered and the dollar was strengthened President Obama would SURELY accept credit for being directly responsible; if he can accept credit for positive momentum then he MUST own the fact that he is ultimately responsible for not even a stagnant but rapidly deteriorating economy. If he keeps allowing Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke to print money and artificially "stimulate" the economy by moving forward with the third failed attempt at "quantitative easing" this country will be the next Greece. NWO is in full effect but our citizens dont want to open their eyes to that reality. The democrats have fooled the so called "minorities" into blindly voting democrat on every issue and for every candidate without truly understanding the consequences. They have used the "minorities" innate tribalism to trick them into believing ALL democratic principles are in their best interests. Last time I checked most major metroplitan cities are thoroughly controlled by democratic politicians; if dems were for the "minority" why do those democratic mayors allow the police force to harass predominantly minority neighborhoods, the jails are filled with 80% minorities, minorities have less job opportunity etc... They are right on time with the welfare checks and section 8 though... the democrats want to keep you down, Republicans want to help Americans to help themselves!!

Side: Yes

The consequences of the recession should not be an excuse for exploding the debt.

Side: Yes
raptor22(106) Disputed
1 point

In a way, it really is. When you look at European countries that attempted the idea of spending cuts ending the recession, you really see how detrimental that idea was on the growth of their respective economies. As proven throughout history (great depression) and modern day rescission (China), the commonality of success was some sort of stimulus that counteracted the effects of an economic decline. In other words, a successful recovery necessitates otherwise excessive spending by the government.

Side: No

The President inherited this fiasco from his predecessors. This economic repair is going to take a long time to correct.

Side: No