[thecavemaster]

Voters may say that they oppose big government, but the programs that dominate federal spending (Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security) are very popular. The Republicans have for years been trying to find a way to dismantle what they call the "welfare state." But, how can the public be persuaded to accept large spending cuts? Basically, the Republicans use tax cuts to "starve the beast." They seek to put the United States in such a fiscal condition that spending cuts appear a necessity rather than a choice. One hopes their "oppose anything Obama proposes" strategy doesn't actually lead to a fiscal catastrophe.