"Our surplus went from billions at the end of the Clinton era to negative trillions under Bush."

Will Mr. fixated narrow focus please see this chart and notice the the Clinton "surplus" started a precipitous down hill decline in 2000, before Bush took office because there was a recession underway.

Also notice that the deficit was decreasing before Clinton took office.

Right now it is decreasing and will likely be decreasing when the next president takes office.