Unemployment, housing, ACA, new jobs showing good numbers: BENGHAZI!!!!!!!

[kelliekat44]

Just listen to the economic indicators out today and you will understand why Benghazi is back on the GOP investigation agenda. Dems: Let it go!!! Keep talking about the things that directly affect the working men and women of this country: minimum wage, voting rights, jobs, women's rights, education, infrastructure...let the GOP and their media co-harts keep talking about Benghazi as eyes glaze over. Keep putting the pressure on for protecting voting rights, keep working with the grassroots GOTV. let's surprise the hell out of them in November!!!

[randys1]

1. BEENNNNGGGGHHHHHHHAAAAAZZZZZZZZZZZZZZIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

turn the MUSIC UP !

[Zambero]

8. Why can't they be a bit more concise?

Perhaps the GOP should condense their pet phony manufactured issues and coin a new nonsensical term that encapsulates the perceived outrages of the Obama presidency. Throw it at the wall and see if it sticks. "Benghazicare" perhaps?

[randys1]

13. In 8 yrs of W, 8 yrs of Raygun, there were HUNDREDS of crimes and real scandals

and yet they cant find ONE on Obama and it is driving the terrorists insane

[BeyondGeography]

2. WH News Conf at 11:40am - Will POTUS Get Benghazi Questions?

http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/happening-now/blog/2014/05/02/wh-news-conf-1140am-will-potus-get-benghazi-questions

[DetlefK]

11. "growing Benghazi controversy?"

And the testimony Fox News touted never happened.
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2014/05/01/benghazi-testimony-derails-foxs-incredibly-damn/199116

[Romulox]

3. Housing and employment aren't too good guys...800,000 less people employed, home sales under $250k

down >12%.

U.S. labor-force participation rate falls sharply in April

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) - The U.S. labor-force participation rate sank to 62.8% in April from 63.2% in March to match a 35-year low, the government reported Friday. Some 806,000 people dropped out of the labor force, according to Labor Department figures.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-labor-force-participation-rate-falls-sharply-in-april-2014-05-02

Million-Dollar Home Sales Thrive While Low End Stumbles

Million-dollar homes in the U.S. are selling at double their historical average while middle-class property demand stumbles, showing that the housing recovery is mirroring America’s wealth divide.

Purchases costing $1 million or more rose 7.8 percent in March from a year earlier, according to data released last week by the National Association of Realtors. Transactions for $250,000 or less, which represent almost two-thirds of the market, plunged 12 percent in the period as house hunters found few available homes in that price range.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-05-02/luxury-home-sales-jump-as-low-end-falters-in-u-s-rebound.html

[kelliekat44]

4. Pick a base year....say 2010...then compare then numbers. Everything is relative..nt

[Romulox]

5. OK. "In the long run, we're all dead." But right now, May 2, 2014, numbers cited aren't too good.

[truebrit71]

6. I had to giggle at that one...

...well played....

Yes, these numbers look good, in the short term, but overall things still suck...

[global1]

12. If The Shoe Were On The Other Foot And The Repubs Would Have These Numbers.....

they would be spinning this that they are the greatest thing since sliced bread.

In spite of all the roadblocks and all the stonewalling the Repubs have done to this President - things IMHO are looking up.

The Dems need to tout this as well as the success with ACA and continue to push for a minimum wage hike; women's rights; immigration reform; infrastructure rebuilding; putting an end to voter suppression tactics; etc.

Just think of where these numbers would be if the minimum wage was boosted. Just think of where these numbers would be if we had an infrastructure bill and put people to work.

The Repubs are on the wrong side of every issue out there and the American People are getting that message loud and clear. Unless you are rich and tied to the Banksters and Wall Street - the Repubs really don't have anything to run on except lies, half-truths and more lies.

Repubs that I know are embarrassed to say they are a Repub now. Many have benefited from ACA or are being squeezed by Repub stonewalling themselves. Those that I've had this conversation with are either going to vote for the Dem Candidate or sit out voting altogether.

We have a big opportunity in Nov. 2014. I sincerely believe we can take back the House and maintain the Senate - despite everything we hear from MSM.

We need to GOTV. We need to tell young voters that this is a critical election for them. I feel that if the Repubs maintain the House and take the Senate - the young voters will feel the effects of that more than any voter bloc as things will change so much for them - they will have no hope in living the American Dream.

We also need to talk to our friends and associates that we know are Repubs. I do and I use embarrassment to shame them. Most are really pretty rational people and can be swayed to change their thinking. Either they have been raised Repub and don't know any better than to vote like their parents do or did or they are brainwashed by Fox and MSM. A rational discussion with them pointing out the Repub stonewalling and lack of any empathy for anyone that is not rich almost always convinces them.

We can do this people. Just talk it up and point out how the Repubs are on the wrong side of every issue.

[Romulox]

18. I would be saying that this is a precarious economy, just the same. nt

[stevenleser]

9. You're right, but that person will continue to spout anti-Obama spin no matter what you say.

That person's agenda is to try to make sure the President never looks good.

[Bobbie Jo]

14. True

Another well-established pattern.

[Romulox]

16. LOL. Chip on your shoulder much? You've been nursing a grudge for YEARS now...

ever since you told me that I was prejudiced against the rich (our first interaction!)

[stevenleser]

23. I've been trying to remember who said that. Thanks for the reminder

Obviously, the answer is no, I haven't been nursing a grudge because I didn't remember that you said that.

I react every time to your agenda as evidenced by the spin you put on everything.

But reminding me of that is useful, because I often get asked what DUers are against anyone rich regardless if whether they have a particular reason

[Romulox]

24. So the thing you don't remember *just happens* to be right in line with your present POV? Odd!

But reminding me of that is useful, because I often get asked what DUers are against anyone rich regardless if whether they have a particular reason

And I'm on that list now, eh? Based on nothing more than having the temerity to question the wisdom of Steven Leser?

[stevenleser]

27. Why are you on the list of folks who answered a certain way? You mean besides that you did?

Is there a different answer for which you were looking?

[Romulox]

28. I couldn't give a toss about your lists. That's what I was trying to highlight.

You are a very literal thinker, Steve.

[stevenleser]

31. You're the one who brought it up. I didn't even remember it. nt

[Romulox]

33. Right, but you doubled down on it with the silly list thing. Absolutely ridiculous stuff! nt

[stevenleser]

34. You are the one who mentioned brought up the idea of a list. nt

[Romulox]

37. You said, "But reminding me of that is useful, because I often get asked..."

Walk it back Steve!

[stevenleser]

40. I do often get asked. And I am glad I have someone to mention. But your #24 is the first mention of

a list. No walkback here.

You might want to remember what you write. It will save you embarrassment in the future

[Romulox]

41. Right, so you'll mention my name, which is stored in something *other* than a list...

Even if it's just in your head, it's still a list Steve.

[stevenleser]

44. Actually, since you are the only one, that doesnt qualify as "a list"

[Romulox]

46. Only one of what, Steve? What is this un-list not a list of?

[stevenleser]

50. You claim to hate rich people for no other reason than they are rich. nt

[Romulox]

54. I've never made such a claim and you can't provide any link to such a claim. It's ludicrous. nt

[stevenleser]

55. Besides your #16 above? nt

[Romulox]

57. It says, "you told me that I was prejudiced against the rich." That was your accusation.

Are you really this dishonest even in the face of being absolutely wrong? It's shameful.

[Romulox]

59. So yes, *besides* my #16, since it obviously says no such thing. Defaming someone when the post is

right there is brazen.

[Romulox]

30. BTW, I didn't answer your weirdo question any way. That's your bizarre fabrication.

[stevenleser]

32. You're the one who said you did. I am not the one who brought it up or even remembered it. nt

[Romulox]

35. You *just said* you had a list to that effect. This is why you memory isn't to be trusted. nt

[stevenleser]

36. No, I didn't. I was simply using your words to answer your question. You brought up "a list" and

as I said from the beginning, I didn't even remember who said that.

[Romulox]

38. *You* said it. Then you agreed with and said you'd make further note of it to inform

third parties of the same.

Comical performance.

[stevenleser]

39. Nope, your comment #24 is the first mention of "a list" nt

[Romulox]

42. Your comment #23 ominously remarks, "But reminding me of that is useful, because I often get asked"

[stevenleser]

43. At last we are on the same page. That is correct. Then you mentioned "a list". nt

[Romulox]

45. This is pathetic. Store my name in something other than a "list" and you win!

What exactly it that you are going to say that I've said when you share my name (as contained in a database that in no way may be fairly characterized as a "list&quot ?

Or is that entirely beside the point of this little piece of performance art?

[LondonReign2]

25. Uh huh

But reminding me of that is useful, because I often get asked what DUers are against anyone rich regardless if whether they have a particular reason

Yeah, becuase that is a question that is so often asked on DU.

[stevenleser]

26. "So often" no. Several times directly to me? Yes. nt

[Romulox]

47. And you'll mention my name in response why? Any links you can provide???

[stevenleser]

48. Besides your #16 above? nt

[Romulox]

49. That's was my recollection of another time you called me names, Steve. Me recalling it doesn't

make the underlying accusation true. And frankly, your showing right here ably demonstrates your faulty memory and your economy with the truth.

[stevenleser]

51. Now you are moving the goalposts that you yourself erected. It wont work. nt

[Romulox]

52. You remind me of Vizini with the cups...

[stevenleser]

53. That's your reflection in the mirror, not me. nt

[Romulox]

56. Can the "I know you ares..." and back up your ridiculous accusation upthread, ok? nt

[okaawhatever]

15. For those interested in the truth and not pushing right wing talking points. The labor participation

rate is down because of the baby boomers. A bunch of people retired, that's all. Geez shouldn't you be on a right wing website? Unemployment is DOWN. That is good news. Baby boomers will skew the labor participation rate for the next ten to twenty years. That is why the right wing is constantly throwing it out there and not talking about unemployment. Democrats shouldn't be doing the same.

The housing sales are down, but

Transactions for $250,000 or less, which represent almost two-thirds of the market, plunged 12 percent in the period as house hunters found few available homes in that price range.

Million-dollar-plus homes made up 2 percent of deals in February, about the same proportion as in 2008,

And there was good news in the same article:
The U.S. economy expanded 1.9 percent in 2013 and 2.8 percent the prior year. Employers boosted payrolls in April by the most in two years and the unemployment rate fell to 6.3 percent from 6.7 percent, Labor Department figures showed today.

While the Commerce Department reported this week that gross domestic product grew at only a 0.1 percent annualized rate in the first three months of 2014, gains in retail sales, employment and manufacturing at the end of the quarter indicate the setback will be temporary.

[Romulox]

17. Rightwing talking points my ass. REALITY is supposed to have a leftwing bias, remember?

I notice you didn't contest the facts I cited, but rather just attempted to spin them away.

[okaawhatever]

19. No, I didn't spin them. I told the truth. You claimed that the drop in the workforce

participation rate was "bad news". The truth is, it is neutral news. Baby boomers are retiring, economists have known of this for decades. Unemployment is down, which you failed to mention, especially since your claim was that President Obama would face "bad news" at the press conference. You are doing the spinning. Why don't you just tell the truth. Unemployment is down and a bunch of baby boomers retired.

[Romulox]

20. Lower labor participation rates bode ill for economic growth and consumer spending. The housing #s

tend to reinforce this.

I didn't mention any press conference, so the rest of your post is confusing.

[okaawhatever]

21. I got the press conference confused with another thread. The housing numbers have nothing to do

with the labor force participation rate. The article clearly stated that 2/3rds of home sales are for homes under 250k and that there was a lack of availability in that price range. The million dollar homes were selling (ditto vacation homes) due to the wealthy doing well. That is an issue, but nothing new. Basically the wealthy are taking gains from the stock market and buying expensive homes. The middle range is also slow, but other articles contribute that to the increase in interest rates earlier in the year. Housing is complicated and the employment/housing numbers don't always go hand in hand.

Lowered labor force participation rate isn't ideal but there is little we can do about it except for allow more immigrants into the country. It will increase somewhat when unemployment becomes lower and fewer people are in the military (active duty military are excluded from the labor force participation calculations) but those numbers will be offset by increased retirements from the boomers.

[Romulox]

22. The lack of availability of homes has to do with the Fed's monetary policy, which makes it cheaper

for banks to hold foreclosed homes ("shadow inventory&quot rather than let them sell at current market prices. It is distorting the home market, creating a new real estate bubble in some markets. But that bubble can't inflate forever without buyers.

When/if that bubble pops, it could have significant impact on the broader economy. So low inventory of homes isn't a good sign, imo. It could mean the end of a cycle.

I'm not seeing this through the lens of an Obama press conference or even structuring this as criticism of the President. I just don't think we're looking at a healthy economy, overall.

[Dawson Leery]

58. Largest pluarlity of the workforce currently is Gen X (just 46 million members vs 82m for boomers)

[iloveObama12]

7. Yep They Will Be In Defcon 2 Mode With Benghazi Today

[edhopper]

10. This

[img][/img]

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

29. Drink!!!

[Keefer]

60. The only thing that worries me

about the job numbers is the fact that 806,000 people stopped looking for work.

"Yet the size of the labor force sank by 806,000. That’s the biggest drop since a 848,000 plunge in October and you have to go all the way back to 1981 to find another 800,000-plus decline. Labor-force changes are measured by the “household” survey that interviews Americans directly."

<SNIP>

"Put another way, two-thirds of the drop in the labor force stemmed from people choosing not to enter in the first place. Normally a

decline takes place when workers exit the labor force."

http://blogs.marketwatch.com/capitolreport/2014/05/02/seemingly-terrific-april-jobs-report-poses-strange-puzzle/

That isn't good news, and it's ONE reason for the drop in the unemployment rate. This needs to change.

[SummerSnow]

61. These Rethugs are a pathetic desperate bunch.

They're going to lose the election. The gift that keeps on giving.

[Gothmog]

62. The GOP is really having a hard time

All of their standard attack lines have fallen apart and so they have to rely on Benghazi. It is really sad.