And Now the Numbers

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THIS WAS THE BUDGET PLAN, YOU'LL REMEMBER, that would cut the federal deficit in half -- to $205 billion -- by 1997. When the numbers were released in the White House's first official budget proposal last week, they made clear that Bill Clinton is counting heavily on new taxes, particularly in the first two years, to do the job. In its first year, the budget does not cut government spending at all but simply shifts funds from defense, energy and agriculture to health and other social programs.

The plan will be a tough sell for Democrats, who must find $66.7 billion more in cuts to meet last month's congressional budget agreement. Republicans are scornful. "If you like higher taxes, you're going to love this budget," scoffs Senate minority leader Bob Dole, architect of a G.O.P. filibuster that has already stalled Clinton's $16.3 billion economic stimulus package. Even a proposed $21 billion business-investment tax credit is in jeopardy. One way or another, Clinton seems doomed to compromise.