Terrific graphic. Visible proof of how quickly we’ve managed to recover from previous recessions (even ones where the initial rate of descent into unemployment was faster than this one) under both D and R administrations. These bumbling boobs quite clearly have extended the length of this downturn far beyond the normal length, and tens of millions of Americans have suffered as a consequence. Americans typically vote their pocketbooks.
Slate might think we’ll be firing on 8 cylinders by next fall, but if R’s do a good enough job educating the public, they will be howling mad we haven’t yet returned anywhere near full employment.