Mark Halperin

So obviously the forces that want to spend are supreme because this has continued now for a long time since President Clinton, both before and after President Clinton.

We haven't seen a balanced budget.

President Reagan didn't do it.

The Bushes didn't do it.

Donald Trump hasn't done it.

So I ask the same question.

Besides electing more people, there are a few groups in Washington that are devoted to a responsible federal budget.

I think there's a group that has just that name.

And as you said, you've got some colleagues in the Senate, a few in the House who feel that way.

What would have to happen?

Is it a lobbying group?

Is it a president who's willing to risk the political downside?

What would have to happen to make a serious effort on this front?

What would you say to people who were part of the Tea Party movement, people on the left who don't like the military spending, people who were part of your grassroots support when you were in for president?

What would you say to a citizen who said, I want debates before the country goes to war, and I want the country to grapple with debt and deficit?

How can a normal citizen affect those issues?

All right.

We're going to take a quick break, then come back, talk to the senator about his colleague, Thomas Massey, a fellow bluegrass stater.

and a few other domestic issues with Congress.

Quick break, right back with Senator Paul.