When invoked by laypersons, it usually means "don't run a deficit at all, and cut 'useless' (to me, so far as I know) programs". Arts funding and foreign aid ar

When invoked by laypersons, it usually means "don't run a deficit at all, and cut 'useless' (to me, so far as I know) programs". Arts funding and foreign aid are popular first candidates for the chopping block. I don't know what it means when politicians say it, aside from being an appeal to the above. Possibly they mean the same thing. [EDIT] incidentally, it's almost entirely associated with the Right. Unusual to see it brought up as a point in favor of a Democrat. [EDIT EDIT] awinder probably nailed what it means when politicians say it, and/or why it's an idea some of them have promoted.