Why are the republican politicians all the sudden worried about the deficit?

During the GW days government was radically expanded and deficits were not only the norm but we were told they were a good thing...now all of a sudden with a democratic president we are told that republicans are looking out for us and trying to curb the deficits...is this a bit like pot calling the kettle black? Now I am an independent with conservative leanings but just do not see how I can trust either party...starting to look like business as usual in Washington...Isn't it time for the people to take the reigns and force politicians to do our bidding?