Meaning: The quote you provided is a statement made by Karl Rove, a prominent American political consultant and policy advisor, in his article "What happened to Obama the deficit hawk?" The quote compares the national debt under the presidency of George W. Bush with that under President Barack Obama. Rove highlights the apparent contradiction between Obama's criticism of Bush's handling of the national debt and the substantial increase in debt projected under Obama's budget.

During his presidency, George W. Bush faced criticism for the significant increase in the national debt. The quote references Obama's denouncement of the $2.3 trillion added to the national debt during Bush's tenure, characterizing it as "deficits as far as the eye can see." This suggests that Obama was critical of the fiscal policies and deficit spending under the Bush administration.

However, Rove's quote goes on to point out that despite Obama's previous criticism of Bush's handling of the national debt, Obama's own budget projected a significant increase in the debt. Rove states that Obama's budget would add $9.3 trillion to the national debt over the following 10 years. This substantial increase in debt under Obama's budget appears to contradict his previous stance as a "deficit hawk," a term used to describe someone who is particularly concerned with reducing budget deficits and national debt.

Rove's use of the term "deficit hawk" in reference to Obama suggests that Obama had been perceived as someone who was committed to fiscal responsibility and reducing deficits. The implication in Rove's statement is that Obama's actions in office did not align with this perception, leading to the question posed in the quote: "What happened to Obama the deficit hawk?"

The quote is significant in the context of American politics and public policy because it highlights the complexities and challenges of addressing national debt and deficits. It also underscores the scrutiny and criticism that political figures face regarding their fiscal policies and the management of the country's finances.

In analyzing Rove's statement, it's important to consider the broader context of the economic challenges faced by both the Bush and Obama administrations. The period of Bush's presidency was marked by significant increases in government spending, particularly related to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the implementation of tax cuts. These factors contributed to the growth of the national debt during that time.

When Obama took office in 2009, he inherited an economy grappling with the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. In response, his administration implemented measures such as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to stimulate economic growth and stabilize the financial system. However, these efforts also involved substantial government spending, contributing to the increase in the national debt referenced in Rove's quote.

Additionally, the quote raises questions about the complexities of political rhetoric and policy implementation. While Obama may have been critical of Bush's handling of the national debt, the realities of governing and addressing economic challenges may have necessitated policies that led to increased deficits and debt during his own presidency.

It's important to note that discussions of national debt and deficits are highly complex and can be influenced by a wide range of economic, social, and political factors. The quote by Karl Rove serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates and challenges surrounding fiscal policy and the management of the national debt, as well as the evolving perspectives and actions of political leaders in addressing these critical issues.

In conclusion, Rove's quote regarding the national debt under the presidencies of George W. Bush and Barack Obama raises important questions about the complexities of fiscal policy, political rhetoric, and the challenges of addressing national debt and deficits. It prompts a critical examination of the actions and policies of political leaders in managing the country's finances and the broader economic implications of their decisions.