The biggest part of UE claims will have expired by election time. The unemployed will still be there just not counted (unlike the Million Man March where shadows and hidden spots were counted just to be sure).
The way unemployment is calcualted has changed so it no longer includes ‘marginally attached people’ so the real rate is probably near 15% or 18% today. I always thinks it’s funny when anyone compares todays unemployment rate to historical numbers from back before they changed the calcualtion.
Question: Is it the actual published number for unemployment that affects peoples voting choice? Or is it the general perception/hopelessness people have about finding a full time job?
If its the former, I’m sure the number can be tweaked lower right before the election by using some tricks and he will win.
If its the latter, what effect will never expiring unemployment benefits, mortgage bailouts, snap cards, free cell phones and other goverment handouts do to affect the voters decision?
To me, this is the biggest factor that totally seperates this recession from all others in the history of the world.
During the first depression, people were sleeping on the ground and praying for a soup line so they would not starve to death.
Compare this with today. You lose your job and you get a perpetual check from the goverment. Sure, you have to cut down to basic cable, change cell phone plans and eat out twice a week instead of 6 days a week, but does that suffering compare with the first depression? I don’t think so and when it comes time to vote, many people will vote for more handouts.
WE ARE ON THE PRECIPICE, THIS ELECTION IS OUR LAST STAND!