Unemployment Rates Fall, but Voters Are Still Faced with a Difficult Decision

COMMENTARY | A positive contribution to Barack Obama's upcoming campaign for reelection arose on Friday when the unemployment rate unexpectedly dropped to 8.3 percent. Obama, whose re-election has been questionable due to the poor economic lookout, was likely relieved upon hearing of the decrease in unemployment. This optimistic change in unemployment was reflected in the stock market with the Nasdaq reaching an 11-year high.

Unemployment is still high

Despite the decrease in the American unemployment rate, the unemployment rate is still higher now than it has been during any presidential election since the Great Depression. Many families are still struggling just to keep food on the table or are facing foreclosure on their home. Americans, despite these improved unemployment rates, are still struggling to find work, many finding themselves the victims of layoffs and a poor job market. These new unemployment rates, however, will likely come up during the debates leading up to the 2012 presidential election.

Romney and Gingrich react

With the nation's economy appearing to take a turn for the better, potential candidates Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich have a little less ammunition to work with during their upcoming campaigns. Even with the improvement in unemployment, both candidates still have a strong central argument; the unemployment rate is still above 8 percent. Romney expressed his concern. "Unfortunately, these numbers cannot hide the fact that President Obama's policies have prevented a true economic recovery. We can do better." Even Gingrich weighed in on Obama's progress, "Give him some credit. If it makes you happy, give him some credit."

Waiting for the economy to turn

Despite speculations for analysts, financial advisers, and promises from political candidates, the economic crisis being faced by Americans won't be solved over night. America has been digging an economic hole for many years and it will take time for the economy to improve and recover. If the right policies are put into place, and the right actions are taken, the economy could recover much quicker than expected. Our nation's economy will be placed in the hands of voters in the November election when citizens must answer a difficult question, "Who can fix our country's economy?" A question to which there is no sure answer.