The Bush tax cuts' effect on the deficit in one graph

By Ezra Klein

The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities updates its chart:

Look at that number in 2050: By that point, the Bush tax cuts have added debt equal to 100 percent of the nation's gross domestic product. Which goes to underscore not just how fiscally irresponsible the tax cuts are, but how politically irresponsible it would be for Democrats to extend them without demanding a deal on the debt ceiling, as well. The idea that Democrats would extend deficit-busting Republican tax cuts and then let Republicans hammer them and demand huge concessions when Congress needs to lift the debt ceiling in a few months defies belief.