"You've got to either say you're going to cut taxes and find some spending cuts. I think we ought to reform long-term entitlement spending in the country, but you can't out of one side of your mouth say, 'Yes, we're for tax cuts, we're for spending discipline, and we're for bringing down the debt.'"

In this quote, Harold Ford is emphasizing the significance of consistency and balance in political policies. He argues that it is not enough for politicians to just guarantee tax cuts without likewise dealing with the issue of government costs. He believes that in order to truly make a favorable impact on the country's debt, there requires to be a mix of both tax cuts and spending cuts. Ford also suggests that long-term entitlement costs must be reformed in order to accomplish this balance. He warns versus politicians making inconsistent declarations, claiming to support both tax cuts and costs discipline while likewise attempting to lower the financial obligation. In general, Ford is advocating for a more comprehensive and responsible method to handling the country's finances.