This is why the ups and downs of the economy are magnified in terms of the impact such swings have on the Federal budget. The discretionary part is divided in equal measure between defense spending and everything else. Defense budgets are slated to be increased. When you consider that the Republicans have already broken their own budget promises with last year's huge highway construction bill and this year's airport construction bill, things ain't looking to good. Because they have nothing else to talk about.
Nobody wants to bring up abortion.
Family values has been overdone. Don't even think about gun control as an issue. The Republicans are willing to gamble the future financial stability of the United States Government in a desperate ploy to win some votes in November 2000. You don't have to be a Democrat to see that Clinton is right on this one. Sure, you might buy a new television set, but you and I know that most folks would use the money to pay off debts and then take what's left and squirrel it away for the next rainy day that is sure to come.