Drop in Jobless Figure Gives Jolt to Race

Here is an article from the New York Times about unemployment rate in the month of September. In the month of September the unemployment rate dropped to the lowest since the month President Obama took office, from 8.1% to 7.8%. The author talks about the reactions of Mitt Romney to the unemployment rate, saying that the unemployment rate dropped because "millions of Americans had given up looking for work." When you look at that you may think that it's true. But, their were two recent surveys on job report, that show the unemployment rate decreased because their was a growth in the number of jobs, but not because millions of people quit searching for a job. Also, the author states that there were no polls done so far that show that there was no significant change in economics or politics, which it probably won't. I think the drop in unemployment rate, will have minor effect for right now but, it won't be a major factor in November. This will probably re energize President Obama giving him a little confidence, from his defeat in the debate on October, 3. What do you guys thinks?

Romney's Missing Foreign Policy

Here you guys go.  This is an Op-Ed article from the New York Times talking about how Mitt Romney needs to capitalize on foreign policies.  The article references political hotbeds such as Syria Libya, and Egypt.  To start however, the author says that we need to understand how America has changed since 2001 with the war on terrorism and the uprising of political unrest around the Middle East.  Interestingly enough though, the author never really mentions Bush that much even though she referenced a timeline that included both of his presidential terms.  The author brings up bitter sentiments that I am sure most Americans (myself included) feel such as a resentment of America from other nations for wars and police actions despite America's large involvements and casualties and expenditures in these conflicts.  Among other things, a key point I found interesting was Obama's mix and matched policies involving the Middle East. How does he support the rebels in Libya to overthrow a tyrant, yet merely watching while Syria undergoes a very bloody revolution that claims innocent lives? Also highlighted are how outspoken Obama is against Iran yet he legitimizes the country's regime and hands out billions of dollars in debt forgiveness to Egypt when their rights are still being suppressed in the street.  I find the conflicts in Syria and Libya confusing, why isn't Obama offering aid? Is it more complicated than we know? As for Iran I would rather avoid dealing with them right now because I honestly think that is the best course of action given the economic state of everything in the world and our laundry list of other problems.  As for Egypt I honestly do not know why Obama is handing out debt forgiveness...I mean in case anyone hasn't noticed we aren't doing so well ourselves in terms of debt as a country.  Meanwhile I have other information that suggests Romney wants to step up involvement in Syria.  The author believes Romney is onto a good foreign policy, though it just isn't refined.  I would have to disagree considering Romney's policy has similarities with Obama's particularly on Iran and Romney also wants to take Israel which is one of the country's biggest foreign policies and deal with it later?  Sorry I am not buying it. Considering the fact that many foreign countries also support Obama I would have to say Obama still has this edge, and even though this election seems to be centered more around the economy and jobs.  Foreign Policy still makes a difference mostly because America does not want another war anytime soon.

Debate Fact-Checking

Here is the NYT debate preview-- claims both men are likely to make during the first debate, and the truth behind them.

Best SNL Debate Parodies

No Voter ID Law for PA... for Now

Pennsylvania will not require voters to show a photo ID in order to cast a ballot in this November's election.

The South's Enduring Conservatism

The South's Enduring Conservatism

A fascinating discussion from the NY Times Editorial pages about why the South remains the most staunchly conservative region in the country.  Directly relevant to some of our discussions about why the South has shifted from being solidly Democratic to the most reliably Republican base of support.

Profile of Mitt Romney

Profile of Mitt Romney
Here is a lengthy profile of Mitt Romney, focusing on his time as Governor of Massachusetts, that appears in this week's New York Times Magazine.