The U.S. economy added 431,000 jobs in May, but just 41,000 in the private sector. 411,000 jobs are for U.S. census workers, who will only have jobs for a few months. Should we cheer positive numbers or be concerned that the private sector gains are far less than last month? How does the oil spill make these numbers even more sobering? What is the real unemployment number when factoring in those who have given up the job search or are forced to take part-time work? Why are private employers reluctant to hire? What would give them more incentive? We Ask Diana Furchtgott-Roth, chief economist for the Department of Labor under President George W. Bush.
Archives for June 4, 2010
Behind the BP Boycotts
Many Americans are looking to hurt BP in the pocketbook by boycotting BP gas stations across the country. How are these boycotts being organized? Who will actually get hurt by this effort? What would it take to really hurt BP’s bottom line? Correspondent Jasen Sokol reports.
Solving the Kagan Crisis
Later this month, confirmation hearings will begin for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan. Republicans fear she will be another left-winger, and the Capitol Steps have discovered who the GOP thinks would be an ideal choice to replace John Paul Stevens. Our guest is Steps star Elaina Newport.