Yet Another Pivot to Jobs

The talking points went out to Democrats that now that the debt deal is done the Democrats will "pivot to jobs". By some counts this is now the 7th time the administration has tried to make the same move. Why? You'd think one pivot would be enough to focus the Democrats on the dismal job situation, but apparently it takes a lot more than that. Jim Geraghty has some thoughts:

Keep in mind that inherent in the pivot talking point is an excuse: the reason the administration hasn't seen much success in bringing down the unemployment rate, or is perceived to be useless in bringing down the unemployment rate, or hasn't communicated its message about its efforts, is always a lack of time and focus. I think most of us would argue the problem isn't really an administrative attention-deficit disorder or chronic focus on other issues. The problem is the policies stink.

Too much of the stimulus money got spent on crap. It allowed states to put off the fiscal reckoning between runaway expenditures and vastly overestimated tax revenues. Trade deals have collected dust for years while Obama's team tries to find ways to placate unions. Fancy regulation-reduction panels are announced while the Federal Register grows thicker and thicker. Obamacare adds a whole new complicating variable into employer health-care plans.

"All right, now we're really going to pivot to jobs, just you wait and see" sounds like the oft-heard pledges of dieting, exercise, saving money, cleaning out the basement, and flossing; the idea that all it's going to take is a bit more attention to the problem and it's going to be solved. I don't doubt that a lot of folks in the White House are worried about the unemployment rate. I just don't have any faith that they have any real ideas to improve the situation.

I predict at least another pivot or two before the elections next year as other crises take the focus off getting America back to work. And of course, Obama will ask for another huge stimulus bill to ensure his union cronies have enough money to donate to Democrats for the campaign. However, he won't get it this time. The days of big stimulus bills are over.