I briefly mentioned this in my previous post, but the latest Romney video offers a view from Iowa, where-if the narrative is any indication-the economy is in terrible shape. But this message is undermined by actual facts on the ground. For example, the joblessness rate in Iowa has dropped over the last year to 5.2 percent, which is close to full employment:
Yes, the unemployment rate has yet to reach pre-crisis levels, but it's not as if Iowans are living through some Obama-generated dystopia. The same is true for the country writ large; the economy is somewhere between not-quite-bad and not-quite-good, and accordingly, voters are sharply divided on Obama's performance. Republicans are more likely to see the negative side of things, while Democrats are more likely to emphasize the positive.
If Romney wants to win, he has to convince voters that, yes, we are living through a dystopia of economic misery. The danger, of course, is that if he leans too hard, he risks turning off voters with negativity.
I’m writing to you today with a sense of urgency that I haven’t felt since I began my journalism career. As executive editor of The American Prospect, I’ve witnessed firsthand how independent journalism serves as a crucial bulwark against the erosion of our democratic institutions. Today, that role is more vital than ever. Can you step up today and show your support?
The winds of authoritarianism are blowing stronger. We’re seeing alarming signs of a coordinated effort to silence critical voices and undermine the very foundations that support progressive causes. As Bob Kuttner presciently wrote in our August 2024 issue, a weaponized IRS could attack the very foundations of the progressive movement. We need readers to step up and help us dig in for the long haul.
We’re falling behind in our spring fundraising campaign, and with so much at stake we can’t afford to come up short. If you value fearless, independent journalism that holds the powerful accountable and defends democracy, now is the time to step up. The American Prospect depends on reader support to stay in the fight. Pitch in today and help us close the gap. Please consider making a donation today.
–David Dayen, Executive Editor
