CNN Political Ticker
1164 days ago

Obama on jobs report: Urgent response needed

Unemployment rose to 6.7 percent in November.
Unemployment rose to 6.7 percent in November.

(CNN) - President-elect Barack Obama released a statement Friday regarding the news employers cut more than 530,000 jobs in November:

"The 533,000 jobs lost last month, the worst job loss in 34 years, is more than a dramatic reflection of the growing economic crisis we face. Each of those lost jobs represents a personal crisis for a family somewhere in America. Our economy has already lost nearly 2 million jobs during this recession, which is why we need an Economic Recovery Plan that will save or create at least 2.5 million more jobs over two years while we act decisively to maintain the flows of credit on which so many American families and American businesses depend.

"There are no quick or easy fixes to this crisis, which has been many years in the making, and it's likely to get worse before it gets better. But now is the time to respond with urgent resolve to put people back to work and get our economy moving again. At the same time, this painful crisis also provides us with an opportunity to transform our economy to improve the lives of ordinary people by rebuilding roads and modernizing schools for our children, investing in clean energy solutions to break our dependence on imported oil, and making an early down payment on the long-term reforms that will grow and strengthen our economy for all Americans for years to come," said President-elect Obama.

soundoff (112 Responses)
  1. President Obama/VA

    Our President-elect knows what he's talking about. There is no easy fix to this crisis. But as he said in the campaign, his primary focus will be the economy and JOBS, JOBS, JOBS.

    December 5, 2008 09:37 am at 9:37 am |
  2. Tim in VA

    "will save or create 2.5 million jobs"? What does that mean? He'll be happy and consider himself a success if at 2.5 million Americans still have jobs?!?! Not a very ambitious goal.

    December 5, 2008 09:40 am at 9:40 am |
  3. AdamW

    I have been unemployed for some time now and it is a horrible feeling. Getting a new job has never been more difficult. And the amount I get from unemployment is nothing. I am behind in my mortgage with no way of catching up. 200 bucks a week just isn't cutting it.

    Still the search continues. Meanwhile CEOS and all of these other crooks and idiots get bailed out with their millions.

    This country is mixed up.

    Let the auto companies and the banks fail. It's only right. Why should they be bailed out with my tax dollars? NO WAY!
    When something fails it is for a reason. Unless you are going to nationalize the companies the citizens bails out...you should let them fail and allow someone creative with better ideas to rebuild from the ashes.

    This country is so pathetic now it rewards failure.

    December 5, 2008 09:41 am at 9:41 am |
  4. Scott Tucson

    Obama's not worried...he has a job, at least for the next 4 years.

    December 5, 2008 09:43 am at 9:43 am |
  5. Annette

    Until politicans are willing to place blame for the economic problems where they really lie – over 30 million illegal aliens draining this country. And the employers who do not contribute to tax bases due to hiring these illegals and mortgage companies who created creative home loans so that illegals could buy homes using tax ID numbers – NOTHING WILL CHANGE!!!! This country cannot continue to sustain this illegal population, they must be sent back to their countries of origin.

    December 5, 2008 09:44 am at 9:44 am |
  6. jerome

    Obama has renegaded on the windfall profit I hope he does not renegade on the promise to stop outsourcing. If the recovery occurs in India or China for the job market. IT WILL NOT TRICKLE DOWN TO U.S.

    December 5, 2008 09:46 am at 9:46 am |
  7. Jerry

    We could start the fix by getting rid of Chris Dodd and Barney Frank the master minds of the crisis. Obama has no clue ad will prove this shortly to all the demolibs that voted for him.

    December 5, 2008 09:46 am at 9:46 am |
  8. Pat

    We have been loosing jobs to overseas destinations for over 20 years. This is not new. When you can pay someone $12,000 and no benefits in a foreign nation to do the same work as a person making $75,000 (not including health care, social security taxes, etc) in the U.S, it is simple math why many jobs go elsewhere. The blame here goes to the greed of corporations and americans not trying to buy more things "made in america" – which is probably due to higher costs. Perhaps instead of AT&T laying off 14,000 jobs, they should have an across the board salary cut, starting with executives, then going down to even to the common worker bee. I'd rather see 40,000 jobs with a 4% cut in pay than 14,000 jobs totally lost.

    December 5, 2008 09:47 am at 9:47 am |
  9. Neal

    Socialism, which is America pulling itself up by its bootstraps.

    December 5, 2008 09:47 am at 9:47 am |
  10. no bailouts

    i believe in you president obama, i'm unable to work, and i have family that have lost their jobs. may God help us all.

    December 5, 2008 09:48 am at 9:48 am |
  11. Charles L. Shaw, Liverpool, NY

    Yes he is certainly good at stating what we all know, we know things are bad, everyone knows things are bad, IT IS A DEPRESSION!
    But he will not correct this, the governemnt can not control the market forces, we the taxpayers are being forced to pay bailout after bailout, my personnel responsibility in my income taxes so far is one million dollars to pay for all the bailouts, and there seems to be no end to it.
    The governemnt should stop increasing our debt and start radical cost cutting of services. When we are asking the auto workers to give up their retirement and salary packages, our governemnt still has to find a way to pay for social securty and medicade to the tune of 52 Trillion dollars that is not even measuered into the current national debt.
    Governments can not take care of this, the bailouts are wasting time and money. We were told that the bailout was about saving main street not wall street, well main street is paying for this, and the bailouts have done nothing for the working American.

    December 5, 2008 09:48 am at 9:48 am |
  12. Lynne

    It will be nice to have a president who deals with issues, rather than denying them.

    December 5, 2008 09:51 am at 9:51 am |
  13. jackie ohio

    I can't remember any President – Elect doing so much before he is actualy President. We have heard so much from him on the economic crises then the actual President. Gee whats wrong with this picture?

    December 5, 2008 09:51 am at 9:51 am |
  14. Tab Cocovillea

    No matter the state of an economy, socialism doesn't work, and it doesn't matter that it has become acceptable by both Republicans and Democrats

    December 5, 2008 09:51 am at 9:51 am |
  15. Wisdom

    I'm sure his tax plan will help... once he raises payroll tax, capital gains and income on most employers.... they will be excited about getting more employees... LOL...

    Good luck all... gonna be a long haul... I do find it funny that the largest rate of layoffs in half a century happen after his nomination and release of his tax plan... in what is usually a post election honey moon

    December 5, 2008 09:54 am at 9:54 am |
  16. yvonne

    if he is to clean up this mess by the last administration. then have the Big 3 create affordable hybrid cars insteady of the hummers and create the jobs people need here in the USA. Close the overseas factories, but these cars HAVE to be affordable! then Obama could be killing a part of two birds w/one stone. Energy and jobs. and the Big 3 won't have to come groveling infront of congress.

    December 5, 2008 09:55 am at 9:55 am |
  17. james

    Do you think the oil companies might be hopeing the recent sudden drop in oil prices might take our eyes "off the ball" and get to chaseing other issues rather than getting away from the growing dependancy on oil, in general ????

    December 5, 2008 09:56 am at 9:56 am |
  18. Linda, NC

    Now that President-elect Obama is on it... I know in my heart that he will help us find a way out of this issue.

    What a big relief to finally have a President-elect who understands the issues.

    If big business fall let them fall but let three be more people who come forward with small businesses and create more jobs and let there be more entrepreneurs. If we unite there is nothing that we can not overcome.

    America's brighter days are ahead.

    December 5, 2008 09:57 am at 9:57 am |
  19. Carl from MI

    I can't wait for Dubya to go on TV and tell us this isn't the fault of his Administration either.

    All these national disasters have happened on his watch, but you'd never know it was his fault if you watched his Charles Gibson interview.

    One more reason why his failed Administration will go down as the worst Presidential Administration in the history of our nation.

    Thank you, Republicans... for making a fraternity keg-man the leader of your party and voting him President twice!! Boy... you're party's leader has really done SO much to destroy our country!!!

    He also faked the funk on having his Crawford, TX ranch. It was all just a farce to create his 'cowboy' image. The truth comes out now... he's moving to Dallas after his term ends. You Republicans bought that whole 'cowboy' image thing hook, line, and sinker! What a JOKE!!

    December 5, 2008 09:59 am at 9:59 am |
  20. vkraman

    Unemployment is making a cancerous growth and it is time for all right thinking citizens to help each other and support our President-elect in whatever he does to improve the economy irrespective of our political affiiation. Nepolian Hill, the then Private Secretary of Franklin Russvelt, explained in his audio book how the masterminds including all newspapers and churches were brought together around the President during the tough time.

    December 5, 2008 09:59 am at 9:59 am |
  21. Let Us Unite

    Love him or Hate him.....we are all in this together!

    December 5, 2008 10:03 am at 10:03 am |
  22. Ohio for Obama- Suburbs

    President-Elect Obama, keep up the good work your every move is being watch by the swifts-and the ones who is still stuck in the 50,60,70,80 and 90's. I must say, for people who still have "Hate" in their heart should first Pray for forgiveness of self hate, because most likely it's a family generation curse. Anyways! Millions of family are depending on leadership from the New President.

    December 5, 2008 10:04 am at 10:04 am |
  23. 60 year old white female and proud supporter of PE Obama

    Scott Tucson: Do you feel qualified for PE Obama's future job?? If not, why not run?? If he was concerned about just a "job" he would be pulling in tons more money in the private sector and wouldn't be risking his life, and privacy to serve a country he obviously cares deeply about.

    Negativity will not do anything to allevaite the horrendous situation America is in.

    December 5, 2008 10:05 am at 10:05 am |
  24. Stacy from Loudoun County VA

    For too long, inner city schools have been ignored and have fallen behind the curve. We have demand to modernize schools and we have ample supplies of unemployed workers...let's get to work America. And for those in the GOP that ask, “Where’s the money?” There always seems to be cash on hand for corporate bailouts, wars, and pet military projects…but when it comes to schools and such, there’s never enough money. Stop the excuses and get to work America.

    December 5, 2008 10:05 am at 10:05 am |
  25. Nelson Colorado Springs Co

    Our new President Obama will be tested with more than any other in comming President. when President Obama takes over the United State is in a mess, nation debt is in trillions, over millions jobs loses, war in Iqad. Dont talk about all the billions spend in the bail out, now the automakers want a bail out. Company are laying people right at Christmas. Where is our great President Bush, can't wait to get out office.

    December 5, 2008 10:08 am at 10:08 am |
  26. RealityKing

    Obviously companies are speeding up layoff's this year with the intent of getting Obama's pledged $3000 tax cut next year for each re-hire. My company is no different, iwe are looking to save money in the lean times and get a tax cut to boot. It's called capitalization and just watch Decembers numbers skyrocket..., because increased layoffs to maximize next years tax cuts is now a good business model. What was Obama expecting from such a moronic campaign pledge!?

    December 5, 2008 10:09 am at 10:09 am |
  27. Dood

    Apparently, Obama is still campaigning.

    December 5, 2008 10:10 am at 10:10 am |
  28. Robin

    Yes, lets create JOBS, JOBS, and more JOBS. I'm all for that, because then we can get rid of WELFARE! Come on Americans! Get out there and EARN your keep!

    December 5, 2008 10:10 am at 10:10 am |
  29. mospace

    what needs to happen is the big three need to wholesale all of those cars they are not selling and bring some income and bail themselves out

    December 5, 2008 10:12 am at 10:12 am |
  30. Debby

    Many years in the making where has Obama been? When Clinton was Pres. the economy was booming, when Bush was in office the economy was booming so get off the blame game already.

    December 5, 2008 10:13 am at 10:13 am |
  31. Roger Rossberg

    Obama, we want change! How long is it going to take you to pull America out of this recession. I know you didn't start the recession but you are now the most powerful leader of the free world and it is now your job to turn this economy around and get America back to work.

    December 5, 2008 10:14 am at 10:14 am |
  32. Robin

    Hey No Bailouts. How can you have a screen name like that if you want Obama to create jobs. What do you think is going to happen to the 2 million people that work for the Big 3 if they go under?

    December 5, 2008 10:14 am at 10:14 am |
  33. Hard Working

    How will we ever find future opportunities if we do not investment in new ideas. Google has the 10 to the 100th contest looking to fund new ideas and recieved over 150,000 entries. Of this number, 100 will be selected, 20 will be voted on, and 5 or so will be funded. What about rest? Any idea that will create jobs and help our country needs to be seriously looked at and some of the bailout money need to be set aside to fund these ideas using the same design as Google and not the complicated process of the SBA.

    While our government continue to use taxpayer dollars to help failing business, we must demand that some taxpayer money actually go to helping the taxpayer.

    December 5, 2008 10:14 am at 10:14 am |
  34. Ray Fisher

    First off, the outsourcing of jobs must stop for any recovery to be successful, Secondly, we must encourage domestic job creation and for that I recommend creating more "Green Jobs" everything from energy efficient appliances to recycling. Third, the secret to recycling is to place value upon recyclables, ergo we need deposits placed on everything recyclable from cans, bottles, paper, metals, plastics, etc... and automatic sorters at all waste management sites reclaiming and selling recyclables and providing jobs. Fourth, we need to jump-start our environmentally friendly economic activities ensuring that both aspects are included in all actions. Recyclingand energy conservation is a very lucrative business avenue from new industries to garbage collection. Someone should do a story on Nantucket Island's recycling system for example.

    December 5, 2008 10:21 am at 10:21 am |
  35. David

    You don't create jobs out of nowhere. Where are these new jobs going to come from? The government hiring more road workers and bridgemakers ala Great Depression? Not trying to be a downer, but we are losing jobs because there are more people buying less things, or none at all.

    On his green jobs: We [and by that I mean the American public] need to make sure that whatever "green" job is created doesn't get shipped off somewhere else as many of our jobs have done so in the past 20 years.

    December 5, 2008 10:40 am at 10:40 am |
  36. Rob Kole

    Then give the loan to the auto companies!

    December 5, 2008 10:41 am at 10:41 am |
  37. Irma in North Carolina

    I firmly believe if Oboma cannot get this country back on track no one will ever be able to do it. He has choose excellent people for his cabinet to help him get america on the right track. Thank God Mccain and Palin did not get in there. The republican party was a disgrace this year. If Palain is any where near the republican ticket 2012 I am switching from Republican to independent.

    December 5, 2008 11:03 am at 11:03 am |
  38. LS, Austin, Texas

    I trust Obama will do something to eventually fix our economy. Bush has set the bar sooo low, it's going to take a lot of work just to budge it. Thank goodness McCain and Palin didn't get elected into office – they wouldn't have done nothing for this country.

    Sorry to the people who have lost their jobs – I know the struggle is tough, especially in this time during the holidays.

    December 5, 2008 11:05 am at 11:05 am |
  39. Doug R.

    Our elected politicians better get their acts together soon . The economic state of this country is not good. It's getting scary for lots and lots of people. Under Bill Clinton, there were jobs aplenty and we were all prosperous. During the last 8 years, George Bush and the Republican party have ruined this country. Thats par for the course for Bush, every venture he's been involved in has gone south to the dogs.

    December 5, 2008 11:05 am at 11:05 am |
  40. Steven

    Can we have the inauguration today? Pleeeeeease.

    December 5, 2008 11:06 am at 11:06 am |
  41. Biff

    Note to rabid right wingers.....

    You can't blame former President Clinton. (that only worked for the first SIX years of the current administration

    You can't blame Reid and Pelosi (the recession officially began LESS THAN A YEAR after their congress began)

    You can't blame Obama. THE MAN HAS NO POWER YET.

    THIS IS TRICKLE DOWN ECONOMICS WHILE SHIPPING JOBS OVERSEAS COMING HOME TO ROOST. THIS IS REPUBLICAN ECONOMIC "MANTRA" COMING TO FRUITION. PERIOD.

    AND YOU CAN NO LONGER FOOL US INTO BELIEVING OTHERWISE

    December 5, 2008 11:07 am at 11:07 am |
  42. Pete

    Save or create 2.5 million jobs. Don't go out on a limb now Obama. How about create jobs, there is no way to tell if a job was "saved".

    What a leader, change you can believe in.

    December 5, 2008 11:07 am at 11:07 am |
  43. steve

    Now , I think it is safe to say that the unjust war in Iraq pushed by bush and his friends is the reason for all this economic disaster .
    We pray that God will shield President -elect Obama to pull us out of the gutter the republicans has dug us in.

    December 5, 2008 11:09 am at 11:09 am |
  44. Ken in Dallas

    So what happens when you offshore all the productive work once performed by a nation?

    I guess that'll be a reason to keep an eye on current events.

    It's all about jobs now, because the financial meltdown has started killing businesses.

    More laissez-faire from McCain would have been an absolute disaster about now.

    December 5, 2008 11:09 am at 11:09 am |
  45. CanIcallyouJoe

    How about starting on the project to fill in the big holes left by the WTC towers? The Empire State Building and the WTC complex helped the last depression – this might put some relief on this one.

    How about not continuing to spend $10 billion a month in an illegal war that never should have been started? What about selling off a government oxymoron: The George W Bush Library? What about creating more construction jobs by upgrading the road system in the country? How about creating jobs by replacing the aging and dangerous steam pipe system in NYC – it has already killed three in this decade, after all.

    How about creating more lawn scaping jobs by installing sod on the roofs of large buildings in major cities – it would create jobs and cut down on energy consumption by providing a cooling effect. How about not giving convicts in federal prisons free cable tv and internet access – if they are there for murder or child molestation, I don't really care about their rights anymore.

    How about creating more technology manufacturing jobs by updating the technology in the nation's schools?

    Jobs can be created by upgrading this country where it is lacking – you can solve two problems with the same solution.

    December 5, 2008 11:09 am at 11:09 am |
  46. Mari

    President-elect Obama has a huge mountain to climb! Bush has left our Nation ......bankrupt, fighting two wars, and with our reputation shattered.

    There wont be easy answers, no easy solutions but Obama will need our prayers and support. Together America is great, divided we will fail.

    We need to put people back to work, get the money flowing from the banks down to the people.

    Our day of Reckoning is here, America, we have been living beyond our means using credit cards, using our home equity as play money and now its time to face the TRUTH...... we must change...... use money with respect, live within our means, save for the future and stop being so......greedy!

    December 5, 2008 11:11 am at 11:11 am |
  47. Ray Fisher

    I believe the time has come for extending unemployment till June 30 and refi bad mortgages for 40 years. We have lost precious time by relying upon an inept government focused upon special interests instead of the nation as a whole.

    December 5, 2008 11:13 am at 11:13 am |
  48. MaryAnn Sutton

    OK... This news of the huge job losses really freaks me out, but he just has a way of making me feel calm. It really looks like he is taking a page out of FDR's book. I have faith that we will get through this!

    December 5, 2008 11:13 am at 11:13 am |
  49. Jan

    thanks to the democrats housing mess–we are in a fix. Obama better be able to solve it–he made all kinds of promises to people who were dying to elect him. let's see if he can "walk the walk" .At least the repubs are giving him a chance.

    December 5, 2008 11:13 am at 11:13 am |
  50. gerry

    Please G.W. Bush, resign and vacate the whitehouse so this man can bring America back.

    December 5, 2008 11:13 am at 11:13 am |
  51. Rick

    George Bush, the worst President the country has ever had.

    Hoover thanks you.

    December 5, 2008 11:16 am at 11:16 am |
  52. Peter (CA)

    Obama's not worried?

    Really? It seems to me that the present administration are those who are not worried. They continued us on this disastrous path because their friends were doing just fine.

    I know you right wingers don't get it, but this is not about having the "job", or showing off to your friends, or proving to Dad that you are just as smart as your brother Jeb-this is about making a difference. I can only imagine the demons that Obama sees when he goes to sleep at night. Yet, he shows the confidence that he can conquer them.

    December 5, 2008 11:17 am at 11:17 am |
  53. karen-phoenix

    Obama knows what he is doing. Bill Richardson's job as head of the Commerce Dept. is going to be the most IMPORTANT department in Washington and that is why he gave it to Richardson and that is why he announced Richardson alone and NOT part of Security or Economy! Our most important new jobs, repairing communication with South America and producing NEW Green products will be up to Richardson. The man has a full plate. Thank you President Obama for putting Richardson in charge of Commerce!!! Jobs Jobs and more Jobs!!! God Bless the Obama team!

    December 5, 2008 11:18 am at 11:18 am |
  54. independent now

    WELCOME TO MY WORLD... SATURN EMPLOYEE ABOUT TO LOSE JOB

    December 5, 2008 11:18 am at 11:18 am |
  55. Carramia

    There is no easy fix to the mess Bush and his cohorts got us into here............... The bleeding of jobs overseas is disgraceful. Sure Clinton started NAFTA hes quilty to but it seems very profitable companies outsourced or insourced alot of jobs but the CEOS still make huge salaries and bonuses............ Scott Tucson so what Obama has a job. Bush is leaving office without being arrested for being a traitor to America.....

    December 5, 2008 11:22 am at 11:22 am |
  56. RDKirk

    The die was cast back in 1989 when politicians and economic pundits proclaimed the United States to be a consumer economy instead of a production economy.

    A consumer economy is like a household where nobody has a job and everybody goes to the mall. It was insane from its inception, but now we have an entire generation of workers–and economic pundits–who have grown up with no other idea.

    There is no way we can continue to export production jobs to China and remain a viable economy. Ask Ohio and Pennsylvania what happened when their industries moved to the South and Southwest.

    December 5, 2008 11:23 am at 11:23 am |
  57. LIP

    He said it..."there are no quick or easy fixes to this problem".
    I guess all that rhetorric during the campaing was hollow speak.
    It boils down to this. What he says is true and to win an election, he lead us to believe that he was a solutions oriented person and would step up to the plate to resolve and solve.
    Truth is, Obama knew just like all the others that the free ride is over...Congress has basically given us the shaft , allowed us to digress and now its pay back time.
    So folks, line up for your daily loaf of bread...it's unemployment time in America. Hopefully we will have "do overs" and Congress will get it right this next time around and not allow such frivolous acts to perform again.

    December 5, 2008 11:24 am at 11:24 am |
  58. Virginia

    Uh, how can you create jobs when so many thousands were lost in November-historical election month for America???? Can't wait to see where all those jobs are coming from and who gets them over the next 4 years. Hurry up 1/20/12.....

    December 5, 2008 11:25 am at 11:25 am |
  59. jfs Memhis, Tn

    These are pressing and unusual times. It will take UNUSUAL measures to fix this mess. My concern is AMERICAN ingenuity , creativeness, and work ethic. Folks under 55 have not been through times such as these. Many younger folks have capitalize on the merits and accomplishments of the Boomers and their predicessors. WE NEED FRESH AND INNOVATIVE YOUNG AMERICAN IDEALS that will make an imprint on the future of this nation. I fear that our Country has become computer clerks who have learned to exist on credit cards and monthly payments. The concept that you are adding innovation to the world by maintaining spread sheets and your computer skills is not working........anyone, regardless of langage barriers can do that !!! Henry Ford, Edison, Carnegie, Rockfeller, Gates, etc. were creaters and innovators.......not copy cats, complacent, or resting on the achievements of generations past. If the Industry Giants noted above had listened to MBA's and Accountants of today there never would have been and INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION !!! In short, to make this Economy better we need to enlist our young folks to bring some HUGE Concepts to the table....NOT Dot-Com or Play Stations. These are REAL TIMES and the USA needs REAL THINKERS. The rest of us are getting old and you cannot count on our work ethic's or money much longer.

    December 5, 2008 11:26 am at 11:26 am |
  60. EW

    The fix is for government to stop trying to control the economy.

    December 5, 2008 11:27 am at 11:27 am |
  61. Pete

    Thank God Obama in the Dems are in charge and going to fix the problem. If a McCain had been elected or any Repub for that matter do you think they would have even acknowledged a problem by now?

    December 5, 2008 11:29 am at 11:29 am |
  62. Concerned Texan

    I am so tired of the stupid, stupid, stupid finger pointing as if the president elect and the incoming administration is the cause of the problems facing our nation. Hatred, bias and bigotry have as much as anything to do with the state of the union. Having that prejudiced religious right dictate the mindset to our country that if you don't look like me and think like me then your problems and concerns are not worth our time. I am an ex-republican and it makes me mad as heck to continue to see these ignorant, yes I said ignorant comments being displayed by people that have a child’s view of the big picture and cannot now think for themselves since Limbaugh and Hannity haven't given them their latest instructions on who they should hate. For years here in Texas I have had to endure the attitudes of the elite that steps over the homeless and hungry babies in this country and laughs at families that don't know where their kids next meal will come from and cannot even envision where they will be sleeping in 2009. I must stop here as I feel my pressure about to exceed healthy levels. BUT our future well being is not about this separation of people based on ANY criteria, but is based on the ability of all Americans to come together and find solutions, together, before it's too late.

    December 5, 2008 11:29 am at 11:29 am |
  63. Jane

    THE UNEMPLOYMENT IS MUCH GREATER THAN REPORTED. WHEN WE ARE TOLD HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE OUT OF WORK IT IS BASED ON THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE COLLECTING UNEMPLOYMENT. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS IS THAT AFTER UNEMPLOYED RUNS OUT YOU ARE OFF THE UNEMPLOYMENT BOOKS. I KNOW PEOPLE WHO LOST THEIR JOBS 5 & 6 YEARS AGO AND THEY STILL HAVEN'T FOUND ANYTHING BUT THEY ARE CONSIDERED EMPLOYED BECAUSE THEY ARE NO LONGER COLLECTING. THERE IS DEFINATELY AGE DISCRIMINATION NOT TO MENTION PEOPLE WHO HAD HIGH PROFILE POSITIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR LESSER OF A JOB THEY WILL SIMPLY BE TOLD THEY ARE OVER QUALIFIED

    December 5, 2008 11:30 am at 11:30 am |
  64. katiec

    The unemployment figures do not include those whose unemployment have run out, so our jobless rate is much
    higher than what is being reported.
    There is so much that has to be done to get our country back to
    what it once was and will take time, patience and additional
    sacrifices. Thank goodness we do not have to depend on
    those who have almost destroyed us these last eight years.
    Now, if we can just get them to put country first and cooperate
    in resolving these crisises, we may have a chance.

    December 5, 2008 11:31 am at 11:31 am |
  65. joseph demug

    re: hearing on automotive bailout.
    the execs of the 3 major companies are also holders of
    millions of company shares. why not make it a condition, on the bailout ,that all shares held by all executives, be purchased by the
    government at todays market values.
    joseph, summerland bc

    December 5, 2008 11:35 am at 11:35 am |
  66. Larry Houston, Texas

    Can you imagine McCain as President Elect ???

    with his 9 houses, and 15 autos ? lol

    He wouldn't care about anyone but his rich wife, and Himself.
    They have enough to live the rest of their lives, without doing
    ANYTHING....

    Larry
    Houston Texas

    December 5, 2008 11:36 am at 11:36 am |
  67. tia

    I can't believe some of these comments. Obama's not even the president yet and some of you already want to blame him. Bush isn't a lame duck...he's a dead duck. He created this mess were in. He can't wait to leave office.

    December 5, 2008 11:41 am at 11:41 am |
  68. Hopeful for Tomorrow

    I've got a wacky idea. How about instead of rewarding corporations for moving their operations overseas for cheaper labor and to qualify for insane stateside tax loopholes, the government actually penalizes them for doing so?

    December 5, 2008 11:41 am at 11:41 am |
  69. Proud Democrat

    Every one's talking about Obama

    What is are current president doing ? absolutely nothing how pathetic he is just waiting to get out of office while the mess he created continues to spin out of control

    I hope he is happy in the new home he and his wife are purchasing while regular folks try to maintain just a decent life.

    sad days!!! I believe Obama will does the best that he can because he actually cares :)

    December 5, 2008 11:43 am at 11:43 am |
  70. Anonymous

    Everyone needs to relax and pray for our president. this mess was not created by obama. but the america people hired him to fix it!!!!

    relax america and pray.

    don't be stupid!!

    pray fo the united states of america

    December 5, 2008 11:45 am at 11:45 am |
  71. Spirit of America

    deja vu all over again. Depression all over again. New Deal all over again. Now.

    December 5, 2008 11:51 am at 11:51 am |
  72. breadcrumbs theory

    Henry Paulson,wheres the money?

    December 5, 2008 11:53 am at 11:53 am |
  73. Erich

    Don't worry, Obama will turn water into jobs.

    December 5, 2008 11:55 am at 11:55 am |
  74. AEK

    Concerned Texan

    Didn't really have the energy to respond to the idiots today! Thanks for doing it for me!

    December 5, 2008 11:56 am at 11:56 am |
  75. gary n.

    @ RDKirk

    WELL SAID !

    December 5, 2008 11:59 am at 11:59 am |
  76. RinFL

    With the current issues regarding tha auto industry and the general lack of direction provided by the current administration there is an opportunity of epic proportion RIGHT NOW. IF the Govt. was to lay out a plan for the future of energy based on what they could force on the auto industry at this time in history I think you would see businessess invest in the new alternatives. They are not now becuase there is no coherent direction. IF the Govt. was to say that the auto industry would NOW start with hybrids that would by a certain date be REQUIRED to be fuled by diesel or hydrogen or LPG fuel sources (burned in the current internal combustion engine) this would drive investment in Bio Diesel sources. Diesel will be long required for OTR and Rail for years to come and long term this will decrease foreign source dependency. It would also put in place a need to provide hydrogen and LPG refueling stations. At the same time a mandate to Hybrid vehicles will simultaniously drive inovation in battery technology. Future mandates to Completely electric vehicles will be enhanced and will drive the plug in car and potentially the hydrogen fuel cell. The hydrogen fuel cell will than have the delivery system in place. These things can be phased in over YEARS. If the mandate is done and I would argue would be necessary it provides a time line and would than attract investers eager to make a stake in the technology.
    One thing about capitalism is that if they KNOW they can make a buck it is amazing what they can do all by themselves.

    December 5, 2008 12:00 pm at 12:00 pm |
  77. Simpliticus

    Consider for a moment what this incoming president is inheriting from George W. Bush and what George W. Bush has inherited from President Clinton's administration. It has been said that George W, Bush inherited a 2-3 hundred billion surplus when he took office eight years ago, which suggests that Clinton at least kept the country in good staid for his replacement. Now, Obama will come into office with a ten trillion dollar deficit quite unlike what Mr. Bush was handed. It will not be cake and partying when Obama comes into office as a full blown fire and economic contagion has involved the White House as well as the rest of the economy. After a fraternity party is over, who wants to clean up? That is Obama's miserable task at hand. And it won't be pleasant!

    December 5, 2008 12:14 pm at 12:14 pm |
  78. Franky

    You know, in my opinion, we have to mix it up. Create and let it grow by itself. Because if we do both at the same time or try to find what's the best solution, is gonna take time and a whole lot of effort to get it done and so forth. And that's when you don't want people to get ticked. Because either way, is gonna be our money investing for what we have in the present and moving so a payback can and only be expected, anything else is a failure. Job creation not only creates opportunity but accesibility but free market takes time and once people get comfortable and intuned, then everything will fall. yes is a gamble but the way I see it, we've been taking a gamble since 9/11 and now, I'm more paranoid than Nixon for crying out loud, LOL!!

    December 5, 2008 12:16 pm at 12:16 pm |
  79. D.Bolden

    Silly people, your current president has 8 weeks left in office and has done absolutely nothing and has not involved himself in any efforts for a solution to this mess. Bush hasn't done a d*amn thing all year and Obama is being blamed for everything. There can only be one president at a time and the one on duty stands on the sidelines.

    December 5, 2008 12:17 pm at 12:17 pm |
  80. Sue

    The recent job losses are going to seem positively tiny compared to the devastation that will happen if the American auto companies are allowed to fail.

    December 5, 2008 12:24 pm at 12:24 pm |
  81. Pat Pa.

    @ Anonymous

    Right on !!!!

    Give the man a chance to get in office. HE IS NOT THERE YET !

    He needs the help of ALL of the AMERICAN people

    December 5, 2008 12:24 pm at 12:24 pm |
  82. J.P.

    Yes, let's "fix" the problem by stealing even more from the very people who do all the job creation.

    THIS is why liberals should never be allowed in government... government can't solve economic problems but boy can it create them.

    Hey, Barry! Take your hands off of my wallet.

    December 5, 2008 12:29 pm at 12:29 pm |
  83. Connie from Indiana

    I voted for Obama to fix the mess that Bush/Cheney and all the politicians have let happen. People need to pray for president Obama and his administration, not start blaming him. I find that all of you that voted for Bush not once , but twice want to blame every one else. Obama will not be able to fix this over night , but I am praying by summer things will start looking up for everyone. How about the politicians rolling back their pay until the recession is over ?

    December 5, 2008 12:31 pm at 12:31 pm |
  84. Is it Jan 20th yet

    .. and what did our fearless leader George Bush have to say? Nothing.......

    December 5, 2008 12:33 pm at 12:33 pm |
  85. Mari

    @ Concerned Texan....... thanks for your brilliant comment!!

    December 5, 2008 12:45 pm at 12:45 pm |
  86. Peter (CA)

    Virginia,

    So why are you blaming Obama for the mess he didn't create?
    At least he has some ideas for cleaning it up. More than I can say for the current administration.

    December 5, 2008 12:49 pm at 12:49 pm |
  87. A Patel

    No mater what Every stage the problem God Help Obama. US People have fully trust to Obama. Obama Keep Going.

    December 5, 2008 12:53 pm at 12:53 pm |
  88. Chelle

    Virginia wrote:

    Uh, how can you create jobs when so many thousands were lost in November—historical election month for America???? Can't wait to see where all those jobs are coming from and who gets them over the next 4 years. Hurry up 1/20/12

    the same way McSane would have created jobs or whichever loser you voted for, it took us over 8 years to get in this mess and now all of sudden people think Obama has a magic wand and can fix the mess all in a day! He does have a plan please allow YOUR president to swear in first.

    December 5, 2008 12:55 pm at 12:55 pm |
  89. Evan in Chicago

    It's been said this mess is similar to reversing course of a huge tanker at sea... which means that it takes the effort of every crew member... if that's the case how about this as a start to turning it all around:

    BY THE END OF DECEMBER EVERY SMALL BUSINESS IN AMERICA HIRES ONE NEW EMPLOYEE... which means all those new hires will have cash to spend and confidence will begin to return....

    THEN WE HAVE THE SAME GOAL IN JAN.... slowly but surely it will all get back on course.... what do you say AMERICA??

    ARE WE READY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM OR WHAT!????!

    December 5, 2008 01:01 pm at 1:01 pm |
  90. Cheese and Whine

    "relax america and pray.

    don't be stupid!!"

    Yeah...good strategy. Relaxing and praying is all George Bush is good at.

    Relax and kiss your job byebye.

    December 5, 2008 01:02 pm at 1:02 pm |
  91. Sharon Plainfield NJ

    Concern Texas I totally agree with you 100 percent. Time & time again Obama said this is not an easy task. He will have to clean up after the mess Bush left us in. He also said he is not PERFECT that there will be mistakes made. He is only HUMAN not the MESSIAH that some people wish. Jan. 20th the CHANGE will come and some people will get hurt from it. He can't pleased everyone. So please be patience.

    December 5, 2008 01:37 pm at 1:37 pm |
  92. Tracey

    I'm praying for President elect Obama to do the right thing for everyone in this Country. He has his work cut out for him. I'm reading the comments here and I now understand that the republican base is made up of uneducated white people, because a lot of you are really stupid!!! I'm losing my son the the military, because he can't find a job and he can't afford to go to college. My husband and I can't afford to help him. My family has been through hell for the last few years, losing our jobs, taking pay cuts in order to get a job. Deciding on paying the gas bill or buying food. Being told from welfare to quit my little job in order to qualify for food stamps. Praying none of us get sick because we have no health insurance. Seeing the rich get richer and losing everything we have worked for. I live in the State of Michigan we have been hurting for a long time. George Bush can't leave soon enough for me.

    December 5, 2008 01:38 pm at 1:38 pm |
  93. kay

    AND...... just watch Mr. Wonderful Obama have a BIG BASH of 45 million $ for his inaugeration!
    He is one SICK PUPPY !
    Wonder if he has ever made a decision on his own?

    December 5, 2008 01:49 pm at 1:49 pm |
  94. James

    The campaign is over now Obama we need solutions!!!! I am afraid Obama is an empty suit. These job loses started way back in the 90’s when we opened “free trade” with Communist China!

    December 5, 2008 01:50 pm at 1:50 pm |
  95. kay

    Dear PROUD DEMOCRAT

    Bush new home cost 2 mil..................gee, that is probably 40 mil less than Obama is going to spend on his inaugeration. Are you donating? He is STILL emailing me asking for money!

    Good luck w/ Mr. "caring" Obama..................what a joke

    December 5, 2008 01:53 pm at 1:53 pm |
  96. Alan

    Dear CNN,
    CNN is one of my favorite places for news. I appreciate your coverage concerning the "Big Three Automakers in the U.S.". I know they make up 50% of the auto industrys' market in the U.S. Why hasn't there been any coverage on the structure of the foriegn companies that make up the other 50% of the U.S. market. What are their names? Do their governments subsidize them? If so by how much? Do their governments pay for their workers healthcare? If so what is the value of this? What are the other things thier govenment does for them to make them more competitive in our marketplace? What trade policies do those countries have with our country? What is the value of the trade indifference with those specific countries?
    Your coverage of these questions makes up over half of the information the American public needs in making a decision regarding our "Big Three U.S. Automakers". I would greatly appreciate fairness in coverage and objective journalism practices when reporting the future of our/your manufacturing industry. Thank-you, Alan Hathaway P.S. Let me know when your coverage on this critical information will begin..

    December 5, 2008 01:53 pm at 1:53 pm |
  97. Pat Pa.

    @ Anonymous

    Right on !!!!

    Give the man a chance to get in office. HE IS NOT THERE YET !

    He needs the help of ALL of the AMERICAN people

    @ Kay
    Lady, you are the " sick puppy " Stop letting your predjudice get in the way of the real world.

    December 5, 2008 02:05 pm at 2:05 pm |
  98. ED

    Thanks to who ever leaked the 45.% mortgage news. I am a realator, now those "very few" i had looking for a new home, are on the sidelines waiting for the new rate. Nice way to take care of "main street"

    December 5, 2008 02:12 pm at 2:12 pm |
  99. Christine-Baltimore, MD

    Whatever happened to Inauguration Day? Folks can't wait to blame Obama for anything, they're starting early. He's the President Elect, remember? The American people need to hold those accountable for this mess, ourselves for voting Bush into office not once...but, TWICE. Now he's busy sitting it out. We'd all be in a better place if his voters sat out election day in 2008. Give Obama a break, a chance, and a little patience. He's one man...

    December 5, 2008 02:14 pm at 2:14 pm |
  100. Neiki

    Can you imagine where America would be standing in the world & how prosperous we would be if President Bush even pretended to have one once of wisdom President Elect Obama has displayed?

    December 5, 2008 02:17 pm at 2:17 pm |
  101. Bruce

    What has or is Bush doing? He is still the President and supposedly in charge.
    Oh yea he is out buying a house to live after 1/20/08 and talkign about bar-b-quing...
    Sort of like Nero Fiddling while Rome burned.

    December 5, 2008 02:19 pm at 2:19 pm |
  102. Tracey

    To Kay

    your really stupid

    December 5, 2008 02:21 pm at 2:21 pm |
  103. Professor Mary

    Leadership by consensus has its merits. I am sure the final decision will be his in most matters. He does not seem to be the type of person to not to be able to think on his own. We should pray that comes out in his decision making. Bush was the kind of president that if his favorite said it was okay it was okay but that is nepotism not leadership. If you want to be of the solution not part of the problem volunteer for the inuaguration. Apply for a transition job. I did both! I don't agree with everything a politician does but I am proactive.

    December 5, 2008 02:22 pm at 2:22 pm |
  104. thomas

    All of us might as well fold up shop because nobody is going to be able to buy anything when everybody is out of work. Think about this.

    December 5, 2008 02:23 pm at 2:23 pm |
  105. gerri

    What did Paulson do with our money?

    December 5, 2008 02:24 pm at 2:24 pm |
  106. lynn

    This didn't happen over night. He's not EVEN THE PRESIDENT YET!!! Obama has done more as president elect than Bush, the lame duck has.

    Oh, that's right, he's busy rewrting history for his "legacy". NO OFFICIAL DUTIES ON HIS CALENDAR. Thanks, you leave America in the lurch...AGAIN!!

    Obama will do great, everything will be in place on day one and we will have a fully functional government. Why anyone would really want this job is beyond me but I'm glad one of our best and brightest people got the job!! About time!!

    December 5, 2008 02:26 pm at 2:26 pm |
  107. jesuino leduino rosa

    ELETRIC CAR.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    December 5, 2008 02:26 pm at 2:26 pm |
  108. Godluvr

    For twice in my life (Kennedy), a president who cares! Thank you President-Elect Obama for giving me hope, it means a lot!

    December 5, 2008 02:29 pm at 2:29 pm |
  109. college student

    it's pretty obvious. Obama's plan is pretty much going along with what FDR did during the great depression to turn things around....and it worked. All of you think the government does not need to interfere with the economy but you are wrong its the lack of government regulations and restrictions that got us in this mess in the first place. then on some poll that cnn took the other day that 6 in 10 Americans don't want to bail out the major 3 automakers, we should of bailed the automakers out before we bailed out the banks! that poll only showed that 6 in 10 Americans do not know anything about economics. Obama has come up with a dream team for his entire cabinet and once he comes into office i think great things will happen, unlike the present officials in office right now that do not seem to be doing anything right now to help with the overwhelming job losses.

    December 5, 2008 02:31 pm at 2:31 pm |
  110. college student

    it's also obvious that most of you do not understand how he plans on creating jobs. The biggest step that FDR took was to create jobs by fixing all the roads and modernizing schools, hospitals, and other government funded buildings. This will create a lot of those 2.5 million new jobs and it's exactly what FDR did. I think before anyone criticizes anybody, especially a graduate student from Harvard and teacher of constitutional law (Mr. Obama) you all should go read a book, or maybe at least give him a chance to be in office before you blame him for what is going on.

    December 5, 2008 02:41 pm at 2:41 pm |
  111. williefloyd

    I want to say to all those out there hurting and suffering-I am truly sorry. At 63 yrs. of age, I have a home, which I and my late husband worked very hard to pay for while raising our 2 sons. We tried to live our lives as Christians and to instill those same values in our sons. I am very thankful that I am still able to work full time in what I hope is a reasonably secure job. I don't plan to retire, but possibly work only part time after age 65. I say this because I feel that even though so many of our fellow citizens are far less fortunate than I, rather than complain about everything wrong in our country, why can't those of us who are so blessed reach out and help those who aren't?? If everyone who could afford to send only a few dollars to some of these small towns, to mayors, city managers, whatever, could a fund not be established to set up food banks, funds to help with heating bills, or those who are about to lose their homes, or to see that a child had a toy for Christmas?? Do any of you recall DHL closing in Wilmington, OH?? In many of these small towns there are very few businesses to hire those who have lost their jobs. I'm only sorry that I don't have the means to organize such a project, but if enough of you will pray with me, maybe God will show us a way.

    God bless our country, our leaders, and give us patience to see us through these terrible times.

    December 5, 2008 03:04 pm at 3:04 pm |
  112. Change - Yeah Left!

    Spend, spend, spend. Tax, tax, tax. And watch American jobs go anywhere but here.

    December 6, 2008 09:17 am at 9:17 am |

Post a comment


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.