With your statement regarding spending of Bush vs Obama, how do you reconcile this graph put out by the New York Times?
http://c491792.r92.cf0.rackcdn.com/PolicyChangesUnderTwoPresidents_072511.gif

The New York Times is at least as capable as any other organization of spinning numbers to support their agenda. If I had the time, I am certian that I could do some googling and come up with at least a dozen examples that support my POV <vbg>.