In an earlier debate with mb, which I neglected to get back to, I argued also that entitlements should be whacked. Why is social security tax capped? (Huge tax break for the wealthy) Why is retirement age 62-65 when lifespan has increased by 10-15 yrs since the thirties? When the bboomers retire, the party's over. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid must be addressed. All the other programs, except for the military, are spit in the ocean. They are the 600lb gorilla.

As to control of the houses, Senate and Congress, it's been a lockstep. The democrats have been locked out of committees, agendas, and legislation. The republicans were a far more effective minority party than the democrats. I like split control. Republican president, democratic houses, Democratic president, republican houses. Everybody has to compromise.