This lack of leadership on the issue leaves the American people with unsavory choices. They can join the demagogic Perot or hold out hope that the major parties can change. If that slim hope doesn't materialize, many voters who are serious about the debt will turn to the only other alternative.

And what an alternative it is. Perot's disqualifications for the presidency are numerous. He has demonstrated a public personality that lacks any vestige of the calm, rational mind the country needs in its head of state. When asked probing questions, he bristles and barks about how the media is out to get him. This kind of behavior casts serious doubt on whether he has the ability to handle the pressures of the presidency.

Perot also has the unique ability to "forget" specific plans on days he is asked about them, a charade he has pulled off multiple times. For a man who claims to have the substance other candidates lack, such behavior is the ultimate in cynicism.

His expertise on foreign affairs seems limited to an in-depth knowledge of the Mexican "job-sucking" worker. Perot's main contribution on foreign policy was this gem in one of last year's presidential debates: "China is a large country with many provinces." Undeniably true, but even the domestically-oriented Clinton managed more insight.

Despite all these visible failings, Perot received 19 percent of the vote in last year's election, even after his ramblings about his daughter's wedding and paramilitary assaults on his home. This display of support demonstrates both the peoples' desire for straight talk and their frustration with the major parties.

It also should serve as a wake up call to politicians: Get serious or get Ross.