Did anyone else catch 60 Minutes last night? The focus was on Newton, Iowa. Once upon a time, Newton was a company town. Maytag had its headquarters and operations (employing 2500 people) there. Those jobs left for Mexico a long time ago (thanks to Whirlpool).
A poll from the piece asked "what's the most important issue?": "Jobs" came in first at 54%. "Health care" was next at 7%. (I think this is because we now have legislation in place.)
In interviews with some Newton residents, they side with neither Democrats or Republicans. Too much focus on gay marriage and abortion. No one thinks that future generations will be better off. Interviews with failing businessmen. The mayor is unemployed. A pizzeria owner works 80-hour weeks at the age of 52. A failing jewelry store has to lay off its two remaining employees (and goes out of business on the same weekend that this story aired).
Video is here (wouldn't embed).
Transcript
The party that solves the jobs problem will win the hearts and minds of the American people. You know the Republicans won't do anything about it, just more tax breaks for the wealthy which will not translate to overall economic growth. This story should be required viewing for the Democrats in Congress and President Obama.
Bonus coverage:
I just discovered the unemployment blog The Layoff List, from which this story comes:
Letters from 99ers.
The level of disaffection with both political parties is striking. Again, start to solve these problems concerning the job market and you just might have a winning formula.