When Should Republicans Force the Big Fight on Spending?

When Should Republicans Force the Big Fight on Spending?

The simplistic, if understandable, answer to that question for many conservatives is right now.  The national debt has surpassed our GDP, we're borrowing 40 cents of every dollar we spend, and our unpaid-for federal obligations already exceed $80 trillion.  We're in dire straits; there's no escaping that.  But there's also no escaping certain political realities: The public isn't feeling especially charitable toward Congressional Republicans these days, Democrats control 55 Senate seats, and this president will occupy the Oval Office for the next four years.  If the GOP is seeking to apply pressure on the Left to improve our...