If you only count Clinton and not Obama, the Dems do look reasonable on deficit issues. But GOP House also had something to do with that.

The problem with saying "30 years" is that we have only had 2 Dem Presidents in that time. Instead of trying to ignore Obamas poor budgeting and mass spending, and trying to make a broad case -

It would be more accurate to simply say "this is what happened under Clinton, and it was more responsible" - which would actually be true.

Trying to make out Pelosi, Reid, or Obama as fiscally responsible in the slightest is a complete non-starter , utterly ridiculous, and will just lead to flames.

For who could be free when every other man's humour might domineer over him? - John Locke (2nd Treatise, sect 57)