GOP convention debt clock hits $8.5B

TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 31 (UPI) -- A clock calculating the national debt accrued during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., reached $8.5 billion.

Republicans, keen on reminding voters of the nation's mounting debt under President Barack Obama, used the tally as a method of showing voters the nation is on an unsustainable financial path. The Hill noted the national debt, which stands at $16 trillion, was a persistent theme at the four-day convention that concluded Thursday night.

"This clock reminds every delegate and every American why we are here in Tampa -- because America can and must do better," GOP Chairman Reince Priebus said Monday in unveiling the clock to delegates. "Every American's share of the national debt has increased by approximately $16,000 during the current administration."

The party's final tally was $8,539,526,393.07.