The graph hides an insight by hiding the run-up to & the WWII years.

Our debt skyrocked during WWII. We were fighting a War. Through-out the cold war, the Presidents in charge, didn't really fight as much play "not to lose."

Reagan actually fought the war (communism). Clinton had "nothing" to fight, Bush fought, andis fighting another war.

This explains the numbers far better than green Eyeshade budget checking.

And Hey...The wars are getting cheaper.