Just as a wild guess, that happens every fall, John.

I pulled the Bureau of Labor Statistics month-to-month job numbers for 1999 through August 2012. Wanted to see how many jobs were being generated at this point in Bush’s first term compared to Obama’s — after two big tax cuts and the start of an economy doped up on the housing bubble. Including government jobs (which were growing, not shrinking), 46,000 were added in July 2004. 122,000 in August, 161,000 in September, 348,000 in October (interesting), 63,000 in November, 134,000 in December. Like Obama’s first term, Bush’s began with a recession, but not one remotely as severe and not one that wrecked household net worth.

Not dinging Bush. Just saying the Baby Boom as a driving force in economic growth is over. And we are in a competitive globalized economy. I have no idea what’s going to bring the next wave of robust economic growth to get us out of this “new normal.” Neither does either Romney or Obama. Supposedly, there are 3 million jobs out there not being filled, because available people don’t have the right skills. Obviously, training and education need to be part of the solution.

Romney promises 12 million jobs in his first term. Some economist predict that will happen no matter who is president. Don’t know what they base that on, but let’s hope.

Bad news! Why it fell. Hundreds of thousands of people became so discouraged that they stopped looking for work.

Another great victory for Obama!

I do like his campaign theme though. “I couldn’t get the job done in four years so would you please give me four more?”

Does that resonate, or what?