The US National Debt -- charts by Ross Perot
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/06/...ref=rss_latest
(go to website for video)
Ross Perot wants more focus on national debt
CNN) -- Ross Perot is jumping back into the political fray, this time with a stern warning that the country better start paying attention to the national debt.
The former presidential candidate has reemerged with a Web site spotlighting the soaring budget deficit: more than $9.3 trillion and growing.
"We live in the greatest country in the history of man. We've been so successful for so long that we now take our success for granted," Perot says in a video posted on www.PerotCharts.com .
"Not since the Great Depression have we seen an economic crisis of the magnitude that we are facing today," he says.
He says the purpose of the site, which is not affiliated with any political party, is "to provide accurate information to every citizen about the serious economic problems facing our country."
True to his style, he uses charts to detail the rise in government spending, the federal budget and the growing national debt, among other things. http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.elemen...tabs/video.gifWatch Ross Perot's warning for the country »
Perot challenged then-President George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton with his deficit charts during his presidential run in 1992 and won almost 20 percent of the vote.
Perot's not running for president this time around, but political analysts say his push to make the deficit a priority might not go over well with John McCain and Barack Obama.
"It gives Obama an opportunity to talk about economic issues, and he is more comfortable than McCain on those themes, but it may force him to talk about those issues in an uncomfortable way -- taxes and spending that he'd rather not discuss," said Stu Rothenberg, a political analyst.
The national debt has continued growing, presenting a threat to baby boomers hitting retirement with needs for Medicare and Social Security.
"We are leaving our children and grandchildren with a burden they cannot possibly manage," Perot says on the site.
"Over time, our standard of living, our national security, our standing in the world and the value of our currency could all be threatened. The sooner we confront these issues, the better," the site says.
David Walker, the former U.S. comptroller general and nation's top accountant, consulted with Perot on the need to cut spending in Washington.
"Washington has to learn the first rule of holes. When you're in a hole, the first thing you do is stop digging. It hasn't learned that yet," he said.
The challenge for Perot is to get voters interested in a problem facing future generations with sky-high foreclosure rates and gas prices affecting this generation.
On the site, Perot urges visitors to contact their representatives and senators so that they will take action.
Perot, a Texas billionaire, was known for using catchy phrases and simplified fiscal charts during his campaigns in 1992 and 1996. Bill Clinton won both terms.
