Statement on the Third Presidential Debate

NEW YORK — Michael A. Peterson, President and CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, commented prior to Wednesday night’s presidential debate, which will include “debt and entitlements” as a dedicated topic for discussion:
“The national debt is a primary topic for tonight’s debate — and for good reason. For the first year since 2009, deficits as a share of GDP are on the rise again and our long-term outlook remains dangerously unsustainable. America’s debt is already at high levels and is poised to soar in the decades to come as the baby boom generation retires and interest costs compound — threatening our ability to invest in our economic future.
“Tonight’s debate presents a valuable opportunity for both candidates to put forward their ideas for putting the country on a more solid fiscal foundation, by stabilizing and reducing the debt as a share of the economy over the long term. Voters are calling on candidates to put forward specific plans because it’s our economic future that’s at stake. The third and final presidential debate is the perfect venue for a substantive discussion about the many solutions available to put our nation on a more sustainable and prosperous path.”
See our suggested questions that moderator Chris Wallace could ask to start the conversation about our nation’s most pressing fiscal concerns.
Further Reading
How Much Do We Spend on the Federal Workforce?
Here, we examine the federal government’s expenditure on its workforce, the evolution of its size over time, and the opportunities for budget savings.
What Are Interest Costs on the National Debt?
Interest costs are on track to become the largest category of spending in the federal budget.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act Is the Most Expensive Reconciliation Package in Recent History
The legislative package will be the most expensive reconciliation bill in a quarter of a century and will add trillions of dollars to the U.S. debt.