With improving economic indicators, President Obama is sound a new note of optimism about the improved economy -- and taking some credit for his policies helping to make that happen.
This, of course, is a winning strategy -- as long as the improvement holds up. The risk is that soaring fuel prices, economic crisis in Europe, or worsening tensions in the Middle East may turn this around between now and November.
For the time being, however, here is the good news as compiled into today's AJC.
1. Incomes rose 0.7% in the third quarter compared with earlier estimates of a 1.9% drop.
2. Consumer spending rose 2.1% in the fourth quarter, spurred by a jump in purchases of autos and other long-lasting goods.
3. Jobs . Companies have stepped up hiring, and the unemployment rate has dropped for five straight months to 8.3%.
4. Manufacturing. Factories boosted output; December was their strongest month of growth in five years.
5. Consumer Confidence rose to its highest point in a year.
Sounds good -- if it will just continue.
And could we please at least push the line that these improvements came in spite of the Republicans doing everything they could to prevent any success for the president?
Ralph
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