Paul Ryan: Clinton Presidency Would Have Fixed Fiscal Problems

A Clinton presidency would have already fixed America's fiscal crisis, says Republican Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin.

Appearing Sunday on "Meet the Press," Ryan was asked by host David Gregory about video of him talking with former President Bill Clinton, and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Ryan said they were just "chumming it up," discussing similar health issues Ryan and Clinton have had. He then noted that a Hillary Clinton presidency would have been superior to the current Obama administration.

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"Now look, if we had a Clinton presidency, if we had Erskine Bowles [as] Chief of Staff of the White House or President of the United States, I think we would have fixed this fiscal mess by now. That's not the kind of presidency we're dealing with right now," Ryan said.

Ryan did not specify whether he meant a Bill Clinton or Hillary Clinton presidency. Hillary Clinton is expected to be the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016. Ryan is among a large field of Republicans thought to be eyeing a GOP nod.

Gregory asked whether Ryan thought Republicans bore any responsibility for the current fiscal crisis.

"Both parties got us to the mess we're in," Ryan responded. "And you know what? It's going to take both parties to solve this problem."

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