Topic: Balanced Budget

House Speaker Mike Johnson has been linked to the "Convention of States" movement, which seeks to use Article V of the Constitution to propose amendments. Supporters, including activist Rick Green, advocate for a constitutionally mandated balanced budget and term limits for federal officials. Critics argue that a constitutional convention could lead to unpredictable changes and "gut" the existing framework of American government.

On C-SPAN, policy experts discussed the necessity of manufacturing crises to force politicians to address long-term economic issues like the balanced budget. Because politicians struggle with present-value issues, they require an immediate "crisis in the here and now" to enact significant rule changes. This candid admission highlights the strategic use of alarmism in national governance.

Former Governor Gary Johnson delivers his acceptance speech for the Libertarian presidential nomination. He pledges to submit a balanced budget, veto deficit spending, and advocate for the "Fair Tax." Johnson also calls for ending the wars in Afghanistan and the war on drugs, positioning himself as the only candidate supporting both "gun rights and gay rights."

Ron Paul addresses questions about a potential third-party run, calling it a "losing adventure." He asserts that his positions on personal liberty, balanced budgets, and limited government make him the most "Republican" candidate on stage, suggesting his opponents are "Republicans in name only" (RINOs) for not following the party platform.