Two very different approaches to national deficits

Published March 17, 2010

The one is confronted by massive street protests and violence but insists his government's stringent austerity measures are the only option to avoid economic chaos and instability.

The other, with an air of imperturbable confidence, assures his fellow citizens that the country's $54-billion deficit can be erased in four short years with some judicious cost-cutting, obviating the need for more drastic...