Jobs numbers remind Obama that he must do more than just attack

[alp227]

Dan Balz, Washington Post, 6/2/12

Friday’s dismal jobs report and some unexpected words from Bill Clinton delivered a bracing reminder to President Obama and his advisers that the election remains primarily a referendum on his record and that their path to victory may lie less in trying to discredit Republican Mitt Romney and more in winning a battle of ideas with their Republican rival.

The latest report — just 69,000 jobs were added last month — was far worse than forecasters had predicted and undermined the administration’s contention that the economy is truly on a path to recovery. Administration officials pointed out that the economy added jobs for the 27th consecutive month. The weakness of that response underscored the challenge facing the president as he seeks to convince voters that he has the tools and the political wherewithal to fix what still ails the economy.

The troubles for Obama hit a day after the two campaigns staged dueling political spectacles. The Obama campaign chose the steps of the state Capitol in Boston to attack Romney’s record as governor. Romney went to the doorsteps of the bankrupt solar energy company Solyndra to attack Obama’s record as president.

As made-for-cable theater, the events attracted plenty of attention but not necessarily for the right reasons. Both were gimmicks. Friday’s anemic numbers from the Labor Department refocused the campaign where the voters live, on the fundamental issue of the overall state of the economy.

full: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/jobs-numbers-remind-obama-that-he-must-do-more-than-just-attack/2012/06/01/gJQABahx7U_singlePage.html

[frazzled]

1. Dear Dan Balz

In the words of the late great Rosanna Danna Danna: "You ignorant slut." If it weren't for the past 3 1/2 years of Republican obstructionism, the jobs situation wouldn't be where it is today. (And if a Republican had won in 2008, there would be far fewer jobs than there are now.) Obama's hands are tied for getting a single piece of legislation through Congress that would help the economy. His plan for a second term? Getting one ... so that Mitt Romney and the Republicans don't get hold of the economy and further decimate the country. Remember Mitt's record (which is relevant): 47th in the country in job creation. Watch the video.

[PSPS]

2. It was Danny Aykroyd

Last edited Sat Jun 2, 2012, 08:12 PM - Edit history (1)

http://www.imdb.com/video/hulu/vi119734297/

[frazzled]

3. Oops, you're right: I'm getting senile

"Never mind." (Oops: that was Emily Litella!)

"If it's not one thing, it's another."

[coalition_unwilling]

6. "If they want to make Puerto Rico a steak, let 'em raise their own cattle." - n/t

[Proud Liberal Dem]

4. Somebody needs to remind Dan Balz

that President Obama HAS done more than just "attack" the GOP over jobs (proposed Jobs bill from last year?). Unfortunately, the Republicans have refused to do anything but crusade against "Obamacare", unions, and government employees, refuse to raise the debt ceiling, demand draconian cuts to social programs and instigate phony "gotcha votes" over sex selective abortions. I guess they thought that they would be creating jobs with their antics?

[ZM90]

13. I think the Republicans thought they would create jobs............

for comedians.

[JNelson6563]

5. Why can't he propose something..like a Jobs bill?

Oh wait. Nevermind.

Good looking out, posting this bullshit! Nice work! You forgot to mention both parties are equally to blame for the tone in Washington!

Julie

[dennis4868]

11. Huh?

Obama proposed a huge jobs bill in September that Moody's said would create 2 million jobs, lower unemployment rate by a full 1%, and increase GDP by 2 points. And the Repubs obstructed the bill and you think both parties are to blame? Obama went in front of a special session of congress and then traveled around the country to push for the jobs bill in September through last Summer.

[JNelson6563]

12. Yeah, I should have used the sarcasm tag.

[coalition_unwilling]

7. On the contrary, he needs to press the attack on the "Do-Nothing Congress" with

unabashed fury.

Start channeling a little Harry S. ca. 1948.

[RBInMaine]

10. SPOT ON RIGHT ! SLAM the "Do Nothing JOB KILLING Republicans" in a big way.

[Herlong]

8. From my perspective, we need to work together to bring the job numbers down.

Unfortunately, Republicans have one strategy; the ill will of America to exact their agenda.

[RBInMaine]

9. The WP is corporate SHIT ! The RePUKES won't pass jobs bills. So shut the fuck up WP.

[stlsaxman]

14. oh, Dan... go back to the Gwen Offal GabFest on PBS

and you can really talk that horse race bullshit.