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Obama and Clinton hit the trail as poor jobs figures released – US politics live Obama and Clinton hit the trail as poor jobs figures released – US politics live
(40 minutes later)
5.20pm: Scott Walker to Tom Barrett: I'll see your Bill Clinton and raise you a Sarah Palin. Hang on...
Please remember to support Gov. Walker and Lt. Gov. Kleefisch in next Tuesday's recall election. Wisconsin is... fb.me/1IFBMlcUA
— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) June 1, 2012
4.56pm: Congress is in session. God hates incumbents?
#BREAKINGNEWS: Tornado warning issued for Washington, D.C. until 5:15. Take cover now.wapo.st/JZgJdz
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) June 1, 2012
4.46pm: Who's volunteering to read it?4.46pm: Who's volunteering to read it?
Sorry – not yet available for pre-order on Amazon.Sorry – not yet available for pre-order on Amazon.
4.36pm: Yesterday John Edwards was given every reason to believe that he will never be convicted of violating campaign finance laws. Outside of court he said he doesn't think God is done with him yet. It sounded like the first step toward a character rehabilitation. But this might not help:4.36pm: Yesterday John Edwards was given every reason to believe that he will never be convicted of violating campaign finance laws. Outside of court he said he doesn't think God is done with him yet. It sounded like the first step toward a character rehabilitation. But this might not help:
CNN JUST IN Rielle Hunter will publish a memoir June 26th, her spokesperson RoseMarie Terenzio tells CNNCNN JUST IN Rielle Hunter will publish a memoir June 26th, her spokesperson RoseMarie Terenzio tells CNN
— Vaughn Sterling CNN (@vplus) June 1, 2012— Vaughn Sterling CNN (@vplus) June 1, 2012
4.30pm: Our in-house political soothsayer Harry Enten counsels caution over the CNN poll showing that Obama's approval rating is up 2 points in the last month:4.30pm: Our in-house political soothsayer Harry Enten counsels caution over the CNN poll showing that Obama's approval rating is up 2 points in the last month:
Let's all jump at this CNN poll... Keep in mind, Obama's approval at 52% is somewhat of an outlier. If it were right, it'd be over.Let's all jump at this CNN poll... Keep in mind, Obama's approval at 52% is somewhat of an outlier. If it were right, it'd be over.
— Harry Enten (@ForecasterEnten) June 1, 2012— Harry Enten (@ForecasterEnten) June 1, 2012
4.18pm: A new CNN poll of registered voters gives Barack Obama a slight 49-46 edge over Mitt Romney in the presidential race.4.18pm: A new CNN poll of registered voters gives Barack Obama a slight 49-46 edge over Mitt Romney in the presidential race.
The poll found that 52% approve of the job Obama is doing, up from 49% in April.The poll found that 52% approve of the job Obama is doing, up from 49% in April.
Neither candidate has an edge on handling of the economy in the poll. In response to the question "Who do you think better understands how the economy works?", each candidate drew 45%.Neither candidate has an edge on handling of the economy in the poll. In response to the question "Who do you think better understands how the economy works?", each candidate drew 45%.
In the poll, 37% said their economic situations were better than a year ago, and 43% said worse.In the poll, 37% said their economic situations were better than a year ago, and 43% said worse.
Among registered voters, 52% said the economy was the most important issue, followed by the deficit (18%) and health care (14%). No other issue – terrorism, illegal immigration, Aghanistan or "policies toward gays" (2%) – scored in the double digits.Among registered voters, 52% said the economy was the most important issue, followed by the deficit (18%) and health care (14%). No other issue – terrorism, illegal immigration, Aghanistan or "policies toward gays" (2%) – scored in the double digits.
CNN on its methodology:CNN on its methodology:
The CNN poll was conducted by ORC International from May 29-31, with 1,009 adults nationwide, including 895 registered voters, questioned by telephone. The survey's overall sampling error is plus or minus three percentage points, with a sampling error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for registered voters.The CNN poll was conducted by ORC International from May 29-31, with 1,009 adults nationwide, including 895 registered voters, questioned by telephone. The survey's overall sampling error is plus or minus three percentage points, with a sampling error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for registered voters.
4.03pm: Here's an American politician asking for votes by displaying firearms prowess.4.03pm: Here's an American politician asking for votes by displaying firearms prowess.
This one's a Democrat. He's running in Oklahoma, so he's conceivably a hunter. Deer at a distance, by the looks of his rifle and scope. The water balloon target is kind of cool. When it explodes.This one's a Democrat. He's running in Oklahoma, so he's conceivably a hunter. Deer at a distance, by the looks of his rifle and scope. The water balloon target is kind of cool. When it explodes.
(h/t @amyewalter)(h/t @amyewalter)
3.38pm: A late Friday endorsement pick-up for Mitt Romney: Former New York Braves pitcher John Rocker.3.38pm: A late Friday endorsement pick-up for Mitt Romney: Former New York Braves pitcher John Rocker.
Romney gets endorsement of former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker, who you might recall for all the wrong reasons. abcn.ws/N4dRk2Romney gets endorsement of former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker, who you might recall for all the wrong reasons. abcn.ws/N4dRk2
— Aaron Blake (@FixAaron) June 1, 2012— Aaron Blake (@FixAaron) June 1, 2012
Ah, John Rocker:Ah, John Rocker:
The now-retired athlete's untamable tongue and white-hot temper landed him a 14-day suspension in 1999 after he bashed foreigners and gay people during a Sports Illustrated interview.The now-retired athlete's untamable tongue and white-hot temper landed him a 14-day suspension in 1999 after he bashed foreigners and gay people during a Sports Illustrated interview.
"The biggest thing I don't like about New York are the foreigners," Rocker said in the interview. "You can walk an entire block in Times Square and not hear anybody speaking English. Asians and Koreans and Vietnamese and Indians and Russians and Spanish people and everything up there. How the hell did they get in this country?""The biggest thing I don't like about New York are the foreigners," Rocker said in the interview. "You can walk an entire block in Times Square and not hear anybody speaking English. Asians and Koreans and Vietnamese and Indians and Russians and Spanish people and everything up there. How the hell did they get in this country?"
(via Amy Bingham/ABC)(via Amy Bingham/ABC)
2.41pm: War. Huh! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing.2.41pm: War. Huh! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing.
So they say. But after watching this mashup of news coverage of various "wars" from the election cycle – from the "war on women" to the "war on marriage," we're inclined to point out that "war" is technically good for those times when media organizations want to drum up trend stories out of absolutely nothing. Huh!So they say. But after watching this mashup of news coverage of various "wars" from the election cycle – from the "war on women" to the "war on marriage," we're inclined to point out that "war" is technically good for those times when media organizations want to drum up trend stories out of absolutely nothing. Huh!
1.53pm: The president is done speaking and is shaking a lot of hands at Honeywell.1.53pm: The president is done speaking and is shaking a lot of hands at Honeywell.
The new program he announced to help military veterans find employment is an example of great news that doesn't measure up to the bad news. An online job search for veterans isn't very helpful if no one's hiring.The new program he announced to help military veterans find employment is an example of great news that doesn't measure up to the bad news. An online job search for veterans isn't very helpful if no one's hiring.
The president talked about how bad the economy was when he took office. He reminded the crowd of the even worse economic crisis that he says his administration averted. At the start of the year more Americans were still blaming Bush – and not Obama – for lackluster economic performance.The president talked about how bad the economy was when he took office. He reminded the crowd of the even worse economic crisis that he says his administration averted. At the start of the year more Americans were still blaming Bush – and not Obama – for lackluster economic performance.
When will the blame shift?When will the blame shift?
1.45pm: President Obama announces he is taking executive action to ease the hiring of skilled veterans, with personalized job search services, an online jobs bank, and breaks for companies hiring vets.1.45pm: President Obama announces he is taking executive action to ease the hiring of skilled veterans, with personalized job search services, an online jobs bank, and breaks for companies hiring vets.
With 3 million veterans returning to civilian life in the last decade, it's a jobs initiative that may find plenty of takers.With 3 million veterans returning to civilian life in the last decade, it's a jobs initiative that may find plenty of takers.
On another day, when the monthly jobs report was strong, the announcement might have looked like an extra boost in an economy that is making a comeback.On another day, when the monthly jobs report was strong, the announcement might have looked like an extra boost in an economy that is making a comeback.
Instead it looks like a lifeline for vets who are returning home to an economy that is stagnant.Instead it looks like a lifeline for vets who are returning home to an economy that is stagnant.
The way the executive action looks isn't as important as how it performs, or course – unless you're talking politics.The way the executive action looks isn't as important as how it performs, or course – unless you're talking politics.
1.32pm: Biggest applause line so far: "I believe that no one who fights for this country should ever have to fight for a job when they come home."1.32pm: Biggest applause line so far: "I believe that no one who fights for this country should ever have to fight for a job when they come home."
The president was introduced by a military vet who went to work as an electrical engineer at Honeywell after serving in Iraq.The president was introduced by a military vet who went to work as an electrical engineer at Honeywell after serving in Iraq.
The president went on for a while about the failure of Congress to act on his jobs legislation. At the time of Obama's inauguration, the stated strategy of the Republican Congress, per Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), as quoted by Robert Draper, was "we gotta challenge them on every single bill."The president went on for a while about the failure of Congress to act on his jobs legislation. At the time of Obama's inauguration, the stated strategy of the Republican Congress, per Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), as quoted by Robert Draper, was "we gotta challenge them on every single bill."
Now, has the Republican strategy worked?Now, has the Republican strategy worked?
We are now entering the blame Congress section of Obama's speech.We are now entering the blame Congress section of Obama's speech.
— Philip Klein (@philipaklein) June 1, 2012— Philip Klein (@philipaklein) June 1, 2012
1.27pm: The president says he has "not lost faith in the American worker."1.27pm: The president says he has "not lost faith in the American worker."
He moves on to the jobs legislation he says that Congress has blocked. "Congress has not acted on enough of the other ideas in that bill that would help make a difference and help create jobs right now. And there's no excuse for it..."He moves on to the jobs legislation he says that Congress has blocked. "Congress has not acted on enough of the other ideas in that bill that would help make a difference and help create jobs right now. And there's no excuse for it..."
"It's not lost on anybody that it's an election year, and I understand that. I've noticed.""It's not lost on anybody that it's an election year, and I understand that. I've noticed."
The crowd laughs, and somebody yells "Four more years."The crowd laughs, and somebody yells "Four more years."
Obama says he told Congress that "now's not the time to sit on your hands."Obama says he told Congress that "now's not the time to sit on your hands."
1.21pm: President Obama takes the stage at the Honeywell plant in Golden Valley, Minnesota.1.21pm: President Obama takes the stage at the Honeywell plant in Golden Valley, Minnesota.
He starts off with a Bears-Viking joke. For readers not in the know that's an NFL joke. The National Football League. Not that football. Oh forget it.He starts off with a Bears-Viking joke. For readers not in the know that's an NFL joke. The National Football League. Not that football. Oh forget it.
He says the economy is fighting back from the worst crisis since the Great Depression. He says jobs have been created but "as we learned in today's jobs report, we're still not creating them as fast as we want."He says the economy is fighting back from the worst crisis since the Great Depression. He says jobs have been created but "as we learned in today's jobs report, we're still not creating them as fast as we want."
He mentions economic "headwinds" including gas prices and the eurozone crisis.He mentions economic "headwinds" including gas prices and the eurozone crisis.
1.12pm: My colleague Dominic Rushe lists six discrete pieces of bad news for President Obama in the May jobs report.1.12pm: My colleague Dominic Rushe lists six discrete pieces of bad news for President Obama in the May jobs report.
No. 4 is construction decline:No. 4 is construction decline:
As this graph shows, construction has been hit hard in the US by the recession. Not only is the industry a big employer, it is also an indicator of the health of the broader economy. It's important not to read too much into one month's figures, but the loss of 28,000 construction jobs in May – when seasonal construction should be picking up – is not a good sign.As this graph shows, construction has been hit hard in the US by the recession. Not only is the industry a big employer, it is also an indicator of the health of the broader economy. It's important not to read too much into one month's figures, but the loss of 28,000 construction jobs in May – when seasonal construction should be picking up – is not a good sign.
1.03pm: Mitt Romney cleaned up in that CNBC appearance. He started out talking about jobs, brushed aside questions about Donald Trump and this place called Europe to continue talking about jobs, kept talking about jobs and concluded by saying the president had failed to create jobs.1.03pm: Mitt Romney cleaned up in that CNBC appearance. He started out talking about jobs, brushed aside questions about Donald Trump and this place called Europe to continue talking about jobs, kept talking about jobs and concluded by saying the president had failed to create jobs.
Plus Romney got to bring up Bill Clinton's opinion of his career in business: Superb, sterling, call it what you will, Clinton's impressed.Plus Romney got to bring up Bill Clinton's opinion of his career in business: Superb, sterling, call it what you will, Clinton's impressed.
"Devastating" was the word Romney used over and over to describe the jobs report, and he spoke the word with the alarm of a fire chief assessing the spontaneous combustion of a square block of pine-frame domiciles. Look, he was saying, this has gotten out of hand. We need to take the presidency back because this guy isn't cutting it."Devastating" was the word Romney used over and over to describe the jobs report, and he spoke the word with the alarm of a fire chief assessing the spontaneous combustion of a square block of pine-frame domiciles. Look, he was saying, this has gotten out of hand. We need to take the presidency back because this guy isn't cutting it.
For how many more people is that message resonating today than it resonated for yesterday? Will it still ring true in September? October?For how many more people is that message resonating today than it resonated for yesterday? Will it still ring true in September? October?
It's the most effective message for Romney.It's the most effective message for Romney.
12.52pm: Romney on CNBC: "What the president has done has made it less and less likely for investors to want to invest in America."12.52pm: Romney on CNBC: "What the president has done has made it less and less likely for investors to want to invest in America."
Romney is asked about Donald Trump's thesis that Barack Obama was not born in America.Romney is asked about Donald Trump's thesis that Barack Obama was not born in America.
"I disagree with it, there's no question that the president was born in the USA. But I don't go around telling my supporters what they should think or say.""I disagree with it, there's no question that the president was born in the USA. But I don't go around telling my supporters what they should think or say."
A question on Bain: Does Romney believe attacks on his record in private equity are unfair?A question on Bain: Does Romney believe attacks on his record in private equity are unfair?
"I'm happy to embrace my past in private equity," Romney says. "I'm very proud of my record ... certainly at Bain Capital, an enterprise I helped to found." Romney says 80 percent of the businesses Bain invested in grew."I'm happy to embrace my past in private equity," Romney says. "I'm very proud of my record ... certainly at Bain Capital, an enterprise I helped to found." Romney says 80 percent of the businesses Bain invested in grew.
Now Romney uses Bill Clinton's words against Obama.Now Romney uses Bill Clinton's words against Obama.
"I understand President Clinton said so yesterday. He called my record superb.""I understand President Clinton said so yesterday. He called my record superb."
Actually Clinton called Romney's record "sterling." So, well, so there.Actually Clinton called Romney's record "sterling." So, well, so there.
Interview ends. Romney is out.Interview ends. Romney is out.
We're waiting for Obama to pop up in Minnesota.We're waiting for Obama to pop up in Minnesota.
12.48pm: Romney says Obama squandered an opportunity to start a jobs recovery by pursuing legislation – the health care law – that he, Obama, thought would cement his historical legacy.12.48pm: Romney says Obama squandered an opportunity to start a jobs recovery by pursuing legislation – the health care law – that he, Obama, thought would cement his historical legacy.
"Jobs are jobs one for the presidency. And unfortunately this president put in place Obamacare.""Jobs are jobs one for the presidency. And unfortunately this president put in place Obamacare."
Romney is asked about Europe and the potential collapse of the eurozone.

"We should be well into a robust recovery by now," even with what's happening in Europe, Romney says. The news out of Europe would be bad in any case, but "certainly not devastating. These numbers are devastating."		Romney is asked about Europe and the potential collapse of the eurozone.

"We should be well into a robust recovery by now," even with what's happening in Europe, Romney says. The news out of Europe would be bad in any case, but "certainly not devastating. These numbers are devastating."
Romney says the president is always looking for somebody to blame. First it was Bush, he said; now it's the crisis in Europe.Romney says the president is always looking for somebody to blame. First it was Bush, he said; now it's the crisis in Europe.
Romney takes a question about the Fed.Romney takes a question about the Fed.
"The Fed's stimulative effects have clearly run their course." He says the latest round of quantitative easing – pumping up the money supply – is through and we don't need QE3."The Fed's stimulative effects have clearly run their course." He says the latest round of quantitative easing – pumping up the money supply – is through and we don't need QE3.
"The right course is to get the government, to get the president focused on the issue people really want the focus on: and that is Jobs. JObs in a down economy.""The right course is to get the government, to get the president focused on the issue people really want the focus on: and that is Jobs. JObs in a down economy."
So Mitt Romney wants to talk a lot about these jobs numbers, it turns out.So Mitt Romney wants to talk a lot about these jobs numbers, it turns out.
12.42pm: Barack Obama is about to address employees of the Honeywell facility in Golden Valley, Minn., on the economy.12.42pm: Barack Obama is about to address employees of the Honeywell facility in Golden Valley, Minn., on the economy.
Mitt Romney is about to go on CNBC to talk about the new jobs numbers.Mitt Romney is about to go on CNBC to talk about the new jobs numbers.
We'll be covering both, on the off chance that their takes on the latest jobs numbers don't perfectly overlap.We'll be covering both, on the off chance that their takes on the latest jobs numbers don't perfectly overlap.
Here's Romney, speaking now about the jobs report.Here's Romney, speaking now about the jobs report.
He says the president's economic policies have been dealt "a harsh indictment this morning."He says the president's economic policies have been dealt "a harsh indictment this morning."
12.35pm: Here's that new Mitt Romney ad.12.35pm: Here's that new Mitt Romney ad.
What do you think? It's a positive spot that starts with the economy and pivots to the national "feeling" – "the feeling we'll have that our country's back" under a Romney presidency, as the ad puts it.What do you think? It's a positive spot that starts with the economy and pivots to the national "feeling" – "the feeling we'll have that our country's back" under a Romney presidency, as the ad puts it.
It's a play for the middle, an appeal to those voters who aren't inclined to hate any politician or party, who care about the economy but who aren't so hard-headed as to be unsusceptible to an emotional pitch about how we all feel about the country.It's a play for the middle, an appeal to those voters who aren't inclined to hate any politician or party, who care about the economy but who aren't so hard-headed as to be unsusceptible to an emotional pitch about how we all feel about the country.
Where is that harbor at :12? Hong Kong? Now that economy certainly looks like it's working.Where is that harbor at :12? Hong Kong? Now that economy certainly looks like it's working.
12.24pm: From a Yahoo numbered list of "details from David Mariniss' 'Barack Obama: The Story'":12.24pm: From a Yahoo numbered list of "details from David Mariniss' 'Barack Obama: The Story'":

13. Obama was that guy in college who didn't study much but still got better grades than you.
Friends in his class at Occidental "returned from the library late one night and found Obama lounging on the Barf Couch, smoking."
...
"'Did you finish your project?'" they asked.
"'I've written it,' Obama responded. 'I just haven't written it down.' A while later Barry 'wandered off to the library' and pulled an all-nighter writing a paper that eventually got an A+."
13. Obama was that guy in college who didn't study much but still got better grades than you.
Friends in his class at Occidental "returned from the library late one night and found Obama lounging on the Barf Couch, smoking."
...
"'Did you finish your project?'" they asked.
"'I've written it,' Obama responded. 'I just haven't written it down.' A while later Barry 'wandered off to the library' and pulled an all-nighter writing a paper that eventually got an A+."
12.16pm: Bill Clinton has his work cut out for him in Wisconsin.12.16pm: Bill Clinton has his work cut out for him in Wisconsin.
Last week a Marquette poll found Democratic challenger Tom Barrett trailing Gov. Scott Walker 52-45. Barrett is being massively outspent.Last week a Marquette poll found Democratic challenger Tom Barrett trailing Gov. Scott Walker 52-45. Barrett is being massively outspent.
But Clinton looked good. His voice had a raspy edge but was plenty strong. He was punching at the crowd: "Turn out on Tuesday and vote for Tom Barrett for governor! Get out and vote on Tuesday and make Tom Barrett governor!"But Clinton looked good. His voice had a raspy edge but was plenty strong. He was punching at the crowd: "Turn out on Tuesday and vote for Tom Barrett for governor! Get out and vote on Tuesday and make Tom Barrett governor!"
Still plenty of rah-rah in the man, enough to rah-rah out those lines. (No wonder so many politicians – Trent Lott, George W. Bush – are former cheerleaders.) His big white hair makes him stand out in a long-distance camera shot. He's the unmistakable eminence grise.Still plenty of rah-rah in the man, enough to rah-rah out those lines. (No wonder so many politicians – Trent Lott, George W. Bush – are former cheerleaders.) His big white hair makes him stand out in a long-distance camera shot. He's the unmistakable eminence grise.
His speech showed how deep national political experience can be applied at the state level. He talked about touring Wisconsin with Helmut Kohl, the former chancellor of Germany. He talked about the birth of progressive politics in Wisconsin. He talked about the elections of 1988 and 1992.His speech showed how deep national political experience can be applied at the state level. He talked about touring Wisconsin with Helmut Kohl, the former chancellor of Germany. He talked about the birth of progressive politics in Wisconsin. He talked about the elections of 1988 and 1992.
Clinton talked with the crowd about who they were, seeking to contrast the state's progressive history with what he characterized as the "divide-and-conquer, no-compromise" crowd seeking to steal its present.Clinton talked with the crowd about who they were, seeking to contrast the state's progressive history with what he characterized as the "divide-and-conquer, no-compromise" crowd seeking to steal its present.
But can he move those poll numbers?But can he move those poll numbers?
12.01pm: Clinton refers to Walker and his supporters repeatedly as "this divide-and-conquer, no-compromise crowd."12.01pm: Clinton refers to Walker and his supporters repeatedly as "this divide-and-conquer, no-compromise crowd."
He is decrying the disintegration of national politics into an elaborate machine of gridlock. He accuses "them" – Republicans – of making everything about Us vs. Them.He is decrying the disintegration of national politics into an elaborate machine of gridlock. He accuses "them" – Republicans – of making everything about Us vs. Them.
"I'm grateful to you. You voted for me twice.""I'm grateful to you. You voted for me twice."
Cheers.Cheers.
"In 1992, when Wisconsin voted for me – if this were a divide-and-conquer state, you would not have voted for me. You want to know why? Because Wisconsin was one of two states that was actually doing better in 1992 than it was in 1988."In 1992, when Wisconsin voted for me – if this were a divide-and-conquer state, you would not have voted for me. You want to know why? Because Wisconsin was one of two states that was actually doing better in 1992 than it was in 1988.
"But you understood that over the long run, we had to build a nation of shared prosperity, shared responsibility: one nation!""But you understood that over the long run, we had to build a nation of shared prosperity, shared responsibility: one nation!"
Clinton makes a final call for "electing Tom Barrett governor!"Clinton makes a final call for "electing Tom Barrett governor!"
"Thank you!""Thank you!"
Cue Bono and "Beautiful Day." He's out.Cue Bono and "Beautiful Day." He's out.
11.57am: Bill Clinton is stumping for Tom Barrett for governor of Wisconsin.11.57am: Bill Clinton is stumping for Tom Barrett for governor of Wisconsin.
"To have a divide-and-conquer strategy is nuts.""To have a divide-and-conquer strategy is nuts."
"That is what is wrong with America today. It is not the road back. It is a road to a dead end. There's a reason all these people are pouring money in here, running all these negative ads against [Mayor Barrett].... Why are they doing this? Because times are tough and you've got to get up every day... and when people are uncertain and afraid, it's easy to get them confused and divided.""That is what is wrong with America today. It is not the road back. It is a road to a dead end. There's a reason all these people are pouring money in here, running all these negative ads against [Mayor Barrett].... Why are they doing this? Because times are tough and you've got to get up every day... and when people are uncertain and afraid, it's easy to get them confused and divided."
"Look around this crowd today. That is our strength. We are still younger than Europe, younger than Japan. In 20 years we'll be younger than China.""Look around this crowd today. That is our strength. We are still younger than Europe, younger than Japan. In 20 years we'll be younger than China."
He accuses Walker of supporting laws to stop young people, the poor, immigrants and minorities to vote.He accuses Walker of supporting laws to stop young people, the poor, immigrants and minorities to vote.
"Show up Tuesday and elect Tom Barrett governor!""Show up Tuesday and elect Tom Barrett governor!"
11.50am: Clinton says the race in Wisconsin is of national consequence.11.50am: Clinton says the race in Wisconsin is of national consequence.
Wisconsin, he says, is "America's battleground, between people who want to pull together to solve problems, and people who want to divide and conquer."Wisconsin, he says, is "America's battleground, between people who want to pull together to solve problems, and people who want to divide and conquer."
11.45am: Bill Clinton takes the mic in Wisconsin.11.45am: Bill Clinton takes the mic in Wisconsin.
He shows off the notes he wrote to prepare for the speech, to prove no one is feeding him words and he's speaking from the heart.He shows off the notes he wrote to prepare for the speech, to prove no one is feeding him words and he's speaking from the heart.
When did Clinton use notes? This is obviously some kind of ploy.When did Clinton use notes? This is obviously some kind of ploy.
"The great thing about not being president is you can say whatever you want.""The great thing about not being president is you can say whatever you want."
The crowd cheers. They love him.The crowd cheers. They love him.
"I was thinking about all my Wisconsin memories today. I remember being on a little farm, with an Irish farmer with nine children singing 'Danny Boy' to me...""I was thinking about all my Wisconsin memories today. I remember being on a little farm, with an Irish farmer with nine children singing 'Danny Boy' to me..."
OK get comfortable.OK get comfortable.
11.42am: The Guardian's Gary Younge is in Milwaukee for the Clinton rally against Gov. Scott Walker.11.42am: The Guardian's Gary Younge is in Milwaukee for the Clinton rally against Gov. Scott Walker.
"Placards saying lets take the 'con' out of 'Wisconsin,' he writes. "Currently singing 'Hit the road Scott, and don't you come back no more.'""Placards saying lets take the 'con' out of 'Wisconsin,' he writes. "Currently singing 'Hit the road Scott, and don't you come back no more.'"
11.38am: The sole entry in Mitt Romney's public schedule today is a fundraiser in Los Angeles at 6pm this evening. Here's hoping he makes it:11.38am: The sole entry in Mitt Romney's public schedule today is a fundraiser in Los Angeles at 6pm this evening. Here's hoping he makes it:
Romney stuck in LA traffic. When does USSS get traffic control?Romney stuck in LA traffic. When does USSS get traffic control?
— Emily Friedman (@EmilyABC) June 1, 2012— Emily Friedman (@EmilyABC) June 1, 2012
11.36am: Nate Silver offers up a line on unemployment the White House could maybe try out:11.36am: Nate Silver offers up a line on unemployment the White House could maybe try out:
This jobs report is no big deal. Every economy has a few bad decades.This jobs report is no big deal. Every economy has a few bad decades.
— Nate Silver (@fivethirtyeight) June 1, 2012— Nate Silver (@fivethirtyeight) June 1, 2012
11.31am: My colleague Dominic Rushe has the White House response to today's dismal jobs report:11.31am: My colleague Dominic Rushe has the White House response to today's dismal jobs report:
The White House moved swiftly to dampen the political fallout of the report... Alan B Krueger, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, said: "Problems in the job market were long in the making and will not be solved overnight. The economy lost jobs for 25 straight months beginning in February 2008, and over 8m jobs were lost as a result of the Great Recession. We are still fighting back from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression."The White House moved swiftly to dampen the political fallout of the report... Alan B Krueger, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, said: "Problems in the job market were long in the making and will not be solved overnight. The economy lost jobs for 25 straight months beginning in February 2008, and over 8m jobs were lost as a result of the Great Recession. We are still fighting back from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression."
Just a bad month, then? Dominic asks a business prof and an economist:Just a bad month, then? Dominic asks a business prof and an economist:
Betsey Stevenson, professor of business and public policy at Wharton business school, said: "This is a very bad report. It changes where I thought the US economy was."Betsey Stevenson, professor of business and public policy at Wharton business school, said: "This is a very bad report. It changes where I thought the US economy was."
Gus Faucher, senior economist of PNC Financial Services, said he had been shocked by the numbers. "They were much worse than we had expected. There was a big drop in construction [down 28,000 in May] which is worrying, wage growth was weak. It is hard to see anything good in this report," he said.Gus Faucher, senior economist of PNC Financial Services, said he had been shocked by the numbers. "They were much worse than we had expected. There was a big drop in construction [down 28,000 in May] which is worrying, wage growth was weak. It is hard to see anything good in this report," he said.
11.05am: BuzzFeed's Rosie Gray is on the scene in Milwaukee where Bill Clinton is scheduled to speak.11.05am: BuzzFeed's Rosie Gray is on the scene in Milwaukee where Bill Clinton is scheduled to speak.
This dude with his "support Scott walker, not union thugs" getting into repeated arguments w/ ppl here twitter.com/RosieGray/stat…This dude with his "support Scott walker, not union thugs" getting into repeated arguments w/ ppl here twitter.com/RosieGray/stat…
— Rosie Gray (@RosieGray) June 1, 2012— Rosie Gray (@RosieGray) June 1, 2012
Wisconsin's recall election has taken on a national profile, with national fundraising, the participation of national political figures and national media coverage. At the heart of the fight is Gov. Scott Walker's attempt to cut his state loose from budget commitments that labor unions see as basic to the well-being of anyone employed by the state. The clash has ramifications for the broader fight between the corporation and the worker.Wisconsin's recall election has taken on a national profile, with national fundraising, the participation of national political figures and national media coverage. At the heart of the fight is Gov. Scott Walker's attempt to cut his state loose from budget commitments that labor unions see as basic to the well-being of anyone employed by the state. The clash has ramifications for the broader fight between the corporation and the worker.
Walker has raised more than $30 million from across the country and challenger Tom Barrett has taken in more than $4 million. The vote may also be a sort of dry run for the presidential election, Monica Davey writes in the New York Times:Walker has raised more than $30 million from across the country and challenger Tom Barrett has taken in more than $4 million. The vote may also be a sort of dry run for the presidential election, Monica Davey writes in the New York Times:
Broadly, the results will be held up as an omen for the presidential race in the fall, specifically for President Obama's chances of capturing this Midwestern battleground — one that he easily won in 2008 but that Republicans nearly swept in the midterm elections of 2010.Broadly, the results will be held up as an omen for the presidential race in the fall, specifically for President Obama's chances of capturing this Midwestern battleground — one that he easily won in 2008 but that Republicans nearly swept in the midterm elections of 2010.
10.43am: He's scheduled to speak in a half hour at Pere Marquette park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, alongside gubernatorial hopeful Tom Barrett.10.43am: He's scheduled to speak in a half hour at Pere Marquette park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, alongside gubernatorial hopeful Tom Barrett.
Bill Clinton's remarks on Piers Morgan (temporarily the Harvey Weinstein show) last night about Mitt Romney's "sterling business career" were a reminder of how the former president can go off the leash while campaigning.Bill Clinton's remarks on Piers Morgan (temporarily the Harvey Weinstein show) last night about Mitt Romney's "sterling business career" were a reminder of how the former president can go off the leash while campaigning.
After candidate Obama defeated Hillary Clinton in the 2008 South Carolina Democratic primary, a visibly annoyed Clinton told reporters that Jesse Jackson had won South Carolina too – a huffy and racially charged remark that got all the wrong kinds of attention. In one of his first interviews after Hillary lost to Obama, the former president went on TV and called John McCain a "great man" and said Sarah Palin was an "instinctively effective candidate."After candidate Obama defeated Hillary Clinton in the 2008 South Carolina Democratic primary, a visibly annoyed Clinton told reporters that Jesse Jackson had won South Carolina too – a huffy and racially charged remark that got all the wrong kinds of attention. In one of his first interviews after Hillary lost to Obama, the former president went on TV and called John McCain a "great man" and said Sarah Palin was an "instinctively effective candidate."
But is it really a screw-up for Clinton to say that Romney had a sterling career? Or does it subtly make the "instinctive" argument the Obama campaign is trying to make: that Romney's a rich guy, a silver-spooner, and out of touch?But is it really a screw-up for Clinton to say that Romney had a sterling career? Or does it subtly make the "instinctive" argument the Obama campaign is trying to make: that Romney's a rich guy, a silver-spooner, and out of touch?
10.30am: Wall Street's take on the jobs report this morning:10.30am: Wall Street's take on the jobs report this morning:
BREAKING: Dow Jones industrial average drops 200 points after dismal report on US jobs. -BWBREAKING: Dow Jones industrial average drops 200 points after dismal report on US jobs. -BW
— The Associated Press (@AP) June 1, 2012— The Associated Press (@AP) June 1, 2012
To say the jobs report comes at a bad time for Obama is to understate the case. At the end of the Nato summit in Chicago last Monday, the president was asked about his attacks on Romney's record at Bain Capital – and how those attacks had been undercut by supposed Obama surrogate Cory Booker, the mayor of Newark, N.J.To say the jobs report comes at a bad time for Obama is to understate the case. At the end of the Nato summit in Chicago last Monday, the president was asked about his attacks on Romney's record at Bain Capital – and how those attacks had been undercut by supposed Obama surrogate Cory Booker, the mayor of Newark, N.J.
Obama defended his attacks on Bain. "That's what the election is going to be about," he said. It was the same message David Axelrod tried to send on the steps of the Massachusetts state house yesterday: Mitt Romney amassed personal mountains of money while failing to do anything for the average earner.Obama defended his attacks on Bain. "That's what the election is going to be about," he said. It was the same message David Axelrod tried to send on the steps of the Massachusetts state house yesterday: Mitt Romney amassed personal mountains of money while failing to do anything for the average earner.
It will be much more difficult for Obama's message to gain traction if it has to compete with headlines about a slumping national economy. You can't brag about pulling the country out of the economic ditch Bush dug if the car's still in the ditch.It will be much more difficult for Obama's message to gain traction if it has to compete with headlines about a slumping national economy. You can't brag about pulling the country out of the economic ditch Bush dug if the car's still in the ditch.
10.00am: Good morning and welcome to our Friday liveblog politics coverage. It's shaping up to be a colorful day on the campaign trail: Barack Obama and Bill Clinton both have scheduled events and unfortunately Donald Trump will speak at the North Carolina State Republican Convention. Tom McCarthy here in New York and here's where things stand:10.00am: Good morning and welcome to our Friday liveblog politics coverage. It's shaping up to be a colorful day on the campaign trail: Barack Obama and Bill Clinton both have scheduled events and unfortunately Donald Trump will speak at the North Carolina State Republican Convention. Tom McCarthy here in New York and here's where things stand:
• New labor department figures show the unemployment rate creeped up to 8.2% in May as the economy created a paltry 69,000 jobs, less than half of what economists expected. That's bad news for the incumbent president.• New labor department figures show the unemployment rate creeped up to 8.2% in May as the economy created a paltry 69,000 jobs, less than half of what economists expected. That's bad news for the incumbent president.
• Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney got a public boost last night from former President Bill Clinton*. Clinton sought to erase any notion that Romney is unqualified for the presidency. "There's no question that in terms of getting up and going to the office and, you know, basically performing the essential functions of the office, the man who has been governor and had a sterling business career crosses the qualification threshold," Clinton told Harvey Weinstein, who inexplicably was guest-hosting Piers Morgan's CNN talk show.• Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney got a public boost last night from former President Bill Clinton*. Clinton sought to erase any notion that Romney is unqualified for the presidency. "There's no question that in terms of getting up and going to the office and, you know, basically performing the essential functions of the office, the man who has been governor and had a sterling business career crosses the qualification threshold," Clinton told Harvey Weinstein, who inexplicably was guest-hosting Piers Morgan's CNN talk show.
*Bill Clinton is a Democrat.*Bill Clinton is a Democrat.
• Romney released a new campaign ad, A Better Day, featuring construction cranes, a welder, a man in a hard hat on a rooftop next to an American flag and a little girl wearing a soft-looking hat. We'll take a closer look at that in a bit.• Romney released a new campaign ad, A Better Day, featuring construction cranes, a welder, a man in a hard hat on a rooftop next to an American flag and a little girl wearing a soft-looking hat. We'll take a closer look at that in a bit.
• The recall election for governor of Wisconsin is down to its final few days, and the aforementioned Bill Clinton is wheels down in the Badger State to try to help challenger Tom Barrett overcome his polling deficit. That's right, Clinton hits the hustings – read all about it right here.• The recall election for governor of Wisconsin is down to its final few days, and the aforementioned Bill Clinton is wheels down in the Badger State to try to help challenger Tom Barrett overcome his polling deficit. That's right, Clinton hits the hustings – read all about it right here.