Interesting stuff. I couldn't find a lot of info to substantiate things, but I thought it would make for an lively discussion. However, this below contradicts the chart above a bit. United States National Debt (1938 to Present) An Analysis of the Presidents Who Are Responsible for the Borrowing So, it appears that personal debt increased most while under democratic leadership, while debt as a country increased while under republican leadership. It makes sense.
There are many things wrong with your analysis. For example the value of the dollar is different in 1953 then it is in 2001 so unless you adjust the dollars for inflation you can't add the debt up together. Two republican have spent 13 more years in office during the years you outlined so they'll have more debt accumulated during that time. You need to look at debt based on GDP basis compared over a 30 year history to better understand whether the administration has spent or is spending to much money and accumulating too much debt.
It's not my analysis. I'm quoting others and providing links. The measurements by be considering different factors, but I couldn't find much to state what factors those were. I could understand how the personal debt may increase, as taxes are usually lowered under Republican administration, while overall spending appears to be increased, usually with military expansion.
You also have to factor economic conditions for example Clinton came to office the economy was starting to recover from a recession while Bush came into office while the economy was headed into a recession those issues effect how much taxes are collected and business activity.
Very true! Statistics being what they are... I love these statistics quotes: "Statistics can be made to prove anything - even the truth." ~Author Unknown "I abhor averages. I like the individual case. A man may have six meals one day and none the next, making an average of three meals per day, but that is not a good way to live." ~Louis D. Brandeis "Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." ~Aaron Levenstein
Well since I believe that the GDP #s are fudged with deficit and debt spending, I imagine that current % is actually much, much higher. For anyone interested in out of the mainstream (BS) economics, wander over to mises.org. There is a lot of excellent and out of the box research to be found there.