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Power Play 7-6-2012

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    Today on Power Play Live with Chris Stirewalt further proof the economy is struggling with a new jobs report out just this morning. How will President...

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Not only is -- eight point 2% number unacceptably high.

And one that's been in place now for over 41 months.

But in addition if you look at -- broader.

Analysis of people who are out of work.

Were dropped out of the workforce.

Or that are underemployed.

In part time jobs -- full time work it's almost 15% of the American public.

We can't be satisfied because our goal was never.

Just keep on.

Work and to get back to where we were back in 2007 I want to.

Get back to a time when middle class families and those working to get in the middle class has some basic security.

That's -- when we've got to go.

Back.

Got -- -- more critical factor.

And there is something on which Mitt Romney and Barack Obama happen to agree today which is that the jobs number out today from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the month of June is not satisfactory.

And this is power play I am Chris -- -- And it's a jobs report Friday here where the Bureau of Labor Statistics drops these numbers -- about workforce participation unemployment in the month of June the take away numbers are eight point 2%.

Is the top line number that was significant numbers fourteen point 9% that's the number that probably was talking about there that's when you include people who were forced to take part time jobs or have dropped out of the labor force.

Economists do not like this number -- missed expectations and it makes them feel -- -- for a but don't feel rap -- for too long because Alice Stewart is back and she's a Republican strategist she is -- the spokeswoman for the concerned women.

For America.

And Debbie -- our dear friend she's democratic strategist she's president of -- -- strategies and as we must always point out.

She is -- -- to congressman from Michigan who happens to be the -- of the house so welcome back ladies would have been here.

Okay now let us -- get serious here let's talk about this in big and important fashion.

With -- -- from the Fox Business Network who was over at the White House and he's breaking down these numbers and their impact on the election all that good stuff brother hits and how we don't.

I do find Chris -- are you good good good are you ready to be big and serious works.

I am long way to be serious we'll find out at the end -- coming -- big as well but.

The new jobs -- certainly weren't big we're expecting 90000 and just give up with population growth depending on the honesty speed with.

You're looking and -- 125000.

Job gains possibly closer to 200000 jobs added a month.

Just to keep up with population growth and we've got here.

80000 jobs added in the month of June 8 point 2%.

Unemployment that hold steady the labor force did grow that can be seen is a good sign however the participation -- percentage of people in this country participating in the labor -- Force hold steady at a pretty anemic 63.

Point 8%.

You heard governor Romney discuss the U six unemployment that's when you talk about all the folks -- factor in all the folks.

Who are not looking for because they don't think they can find a job in there the unemployment rate increases to fourteen point 9% last month.

It was at about fourteen point 8%.

We had a very good first quarter in this country the job market did.

Adding on average 226000.

Jobs a month not so in the second quarter that's just finished.

An average of 75000.

Jobs added in the second month that is the weakest quarter since October 2010 and also those working part time for economic reasons.

Word that increased by a 1121000.

So this is pretty anemic job report.

Why and where we need to do better -- the White House as you heard is trying to say look we're not negative here we are adding jobs we agree we need to do better.

And the case that the administration still trying to make on the road wine.

That the economy would be in worse shape had it not been for the first -- the Obama administration and to have Republicans agreed to spend more.

Then we would not be in such a mess right now Republicans of course -- -- different case that.

The president has made the economy worse.

Chris.

Rich Edson both big and important we thank you for that -- -- -- a big jobs report Friday have a great week it YouTube.

OK ladies show.

No surprises really in the response from the president and from Mitt Romney in terms of how they address this that certainly.

For Romney this it reinforces his argument.

And for the president.

He is trying to.

Holding a place that I described this morning in my power play as.

Stay the course but just faster that were on the right path but we just need to be doing more and if the Republicans would let him he could he could turn it around.

So let's start with you you daddy on this question is that can the president stay in this argument you've -- It since the fall is this is sustainable argument for him what what he's gonna chance we'll.

We're going to have to continue to see improvement in -- jobs.

In the next few months in Indiana to this election's going to be determined by who they believe.

Barack Obama or me round.

Now Mitt Romney does not have a lot of specifics for his job creation thing and either the president has had a -- protection act.

Pain in the United States congress he's tried to get them to act on they -- not he is claiming if Republicans would.

-- in the congress in its they're trying to repeal health care next week actually do something to try to help gaps.

Question is what American people believe it or are we gonna start seeing self sustaining.

-- -- you know just the way to today's can be -- he's going to result -- consumer confidence going down.

It's human to going to be tricky.

But I'm not sure Mitt Romney's -- -- doing a better job of convincing people he's gonna turn it around because the policies he wants to go to greeted them now will.

Talk more about this Allison the next segment about -- strategy and his communications effort but what about -- point that from Romney.

He likes the with -- other day with bad economic news he likes to have this clear shot the president and come out and do it.

Does he need to put out a -- it's specific and cleared jobs -- stuff like that.

Well he has put out specifics -- job planning including.

You know -- -- -- reforms in the tax code to help job creators create jobs reducing them burdensome government regulations approving the Keystone Pipeline.

Once you -- -- replaces obamacare that will help.

Certainly the economy but in terms of these jobs numbers this is devastating news for middle class Americans which.

What Obama has been.

Focusing on and you know his economic advisor has said this morning don't read too much into one report -- I agree with that let's look at the fact that we're looking at.

41 months of unemployment over 8% looking at second quarter of this year which is the worst in two years and and there's.

Obama himself in a statement.

As we shouldn't be satisfied when he's -- acknowledging the fact that.

Americans should not be satisfied with the stated the economy which is a direct result of his policies and his policies have failed to make things better for the American people.

And we do have specifics from governor running.

Or sixty not 59 points is -- affects every call from the primary absolutely all right some -- -- Is Smart and also -- colleagues.

I can tell by the picture.

Says you do not add jobs if you're not getting at least a 150000.

New jobs and yes to explain this is a good point.

That economist varied 340125.

Is sort of the census.

A consensus but just to keep up with population -- young people entering the workforce and rich -- alluded to this.

You've got to have about a 125000.

Just to stay where you are that of course the danger is as job marketing wasn't -- dangerous which is what always happens is as the job markets -- improved.

That bigger number that 15% number those folks migrate back into the workforce and they say you know what I'm not gonna give up I see my neighbor got a job I'm gonna go look and then you have to have more to keep pace so that's that's how that.

Works good point -- -- okay.

Debbie question for you.

Mitt Romney is doing better in the Rust Belt including your current native Michigan.

Then expected to -- he's struggling in Ohio polls continue to show him.

-- -- problem in Ohio.

Been doing better in Michigan Wisconsin and Pennsylvania than many people expected at the beginning.

The president is counting on his attacks on Romney's work at bank capital and work in the private sector fact that he had money kept in banks overseas.

And things like that -- get these voters.

To say I may -- be thrilled with you Mr.

President but this other guy is a vampire he's bad news.

Effective.

So far.

Well I think it's more than just that I think that.

-- the message message gets delivered -- whether people are the least you know I think I issued are two distinct times Chris I think.

The -- out there is discussed it with about -- They're scared they're worried about their -- cost of everything isn't going down it it's who's going to put -- they believe will protect your job -- most it -- -- In -- I would argue that it is they were -- policies that Republicans want to return to that created -- -- that.

We are in right now in the midwest where the numbers are tightening the -- issue we -- -- the most important issues and I think Mitt Romney has done it I actually -- surprised -- -- terrible job he has done.

And not talking about why he said what he did on the out of -- let him go bankrupt.

I think that he was in Michigan said this crease before -- he -- talked about why he did dad and I do not think he's done a good job of inoculating himself immunity issue.

Or explaining why he said.

You're that you're gonna explain it you get around you get -- when we come back I promise but we have to take a quick.

Internet TV timeout -- when we come back we'll talk about the running communications effort we'll talk about.

It's on the grumbling on the right about -- -- pastels.

And all of that stuff -- revisiting of the primary season all over again is Mitt Romney -- to get traction will close this segment with comment from can you read this.

Notice -- jobs numbers are unsatisfactory.

Well that gives me a warm and Fuzzy feeling.

Well there you go on Friday so we're gonna take a quick break when we come back we'll talk about Mitt Romney's communications efforts -- stick around.

It's.

Are you abandoning.

-- principle that you fought for for six years because you're getting pressure for two days.

From Rush Limbaugh or some critics in Washington.

That's what President Obama said in an interview with the Cincinnati NBC affiliate WL WT talking about Mitt Romney changing.

Or seeming to change or maybe disagreeing with some people inside his campaign about whether or not the compulsory health care inch -- health insurance provision inside.

Obama's health care law was attacks or not this is power play.

And welcome back and welcome back to Debbie dingle and Alice Stewart we're very lucky to have you on this Friday.

And so here's the deal.

The Democrats are having great fun right now as people like Bill Kristol the wall street journal editorial page Charles Krauthammer and others come out and say that -- Blew it.

Botched the health flawed decision that the Supreme Court.

And people white but I don't know that this CEO of News Corp.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- And Alice when you were working for campaigns.

Other than Mitt Romney's during the primary process right this.

Echoes this reflects an argument that people like Michelle Bachmann and Rick Santorum made Mitt Romney is too squishy and too pastel and that needs to be bolder and more declared.

Well a couple of things and you've covered politics a long time and -- you're well aware every time every campaign -- -- without their high -- low there's going to be people outside the campaign I think they can get a better job in the campaigns are always going to see this.

Next -- -- they'll be stories and I shake up -- the Obama campaign but also it's important suit.

See where.

The governor's spoke this week and exactly how it clarified exactly where it is on this -- He said very clearly to Jan Crawford he says that he agrees that the -- However the majority of the court has spoken and it's a law of the land he didn't he might not like given us a lot of land and he.

Does acknowledge that it is attacks which is a far cry from when the president has has said.

While -- is seeking passage of this he said he promised the American people this is not a tax hypothesis is on attacks as a pass.

He sends his attorney to the Supreme Court and says -- -- -- attacks so we can get it ruled it constitutional.

And now he's -- saying that it's not attacks so he's the one -- come full trying to harness being.

Taking every possession on SS yeah there as Mitt Romney says okay I might not like it but it -- attack.

So -- will stipulate was stipulate in advance that.

This that do organization do personalities.

This stuff inside a campaign.

Is simply July collateral for the word political people -- All that and it sorry all that having been said.

There is there is -- there a sense that for Romney.

He has it that he has too insular to closed group and maybe he's not getting the outside ideas and new ways of thinking that are necessary.

Well I I do hear that look -- a Democrat so.

I'm not gonna tell Republicans how to run a campaign that.

I do sense I mean I know you expect a lot Republicans that he is brought me.

He's -- is starting to get good advice is certainly different -- that Gillespie and and some of the other people that I deeply respect shows that he -- city needs.

-- his circle I would tell you what I -- a bigger issue for him on the flip flap.

Of health care.

With win hate his proposal passed in Massachusetts.

He said at that time that he thought that everybody should have to pay their fair share and pay for insurance and those that can afford insurance should not.

Now -- -- fort and then when they get sick and others pay for I think he hits in a very -- job.

Up reconciling those two statements and that is something he's very vulnerable and -- -- talking.

-- taken Nero on it looks -- looks looks reduce it down.

And with -- a lot of comments here today about the way I've neglected to tell you today and I try to tell you read it on the Twitter you should do it.

It's so easy it's fun fact and then every morning.

I'll write the power play here's the the I'll get up early outright the power -- for you every day and and you can just add it get about 10 o'clock three you'll love it it's great.

And -- what I wrote today.

And talking about this is that if you if let's say you boil this all down and you take it down just to do this question of health care.

What's smarter for -- vote for Romney to have just owned a full flip flop on this and done it during the primaries and said.

You know what I was wrong and in Massachusetts I'm sorry I did it created the blueprint.

For the president's law I made a mistake or to try to do what he's done which is hold this it's a State's issue not federal issue.

Well I think what he's made the way he's done it I think is working to that is what successful and that.

He made it clear that Massachusetts is not a one size fits all plan and he he believes it works its bits from Massachusetts and it's not something that should be implemented across the country.

And he acknowledged and spoke.

Very clearly was the Jan Crawford that as Justice Roberts wrote in his opinion that police at the -- -- have the policing power to implement such mandates whereas the federal government.

Didn't have it under the commerce clause so he's able to back up what he's been saying based on.

Though though the words Chief Justice himself.

If you would have done the C flop if you have done the full instead of now which is like partial one -- in the fall on -- if you don't know the full flop when when he was onstage.

With his fellow Republicans that -- I regret I now regret -- I now see that it was a mistake wouldn't -- be better off now.

What -- I don't think he shouldn't -- I think he passed very good policy in the Massachusetts.

Trying to -- dress I'm being serious he's -- -- for a moment please you are you people are always kind of elevate the conversation here let me be set for this moment and say.

Wouldn't even better if you -- an event.

He let it I -- he keeps dipping its -- -- and he keeps -- keeps leaving yourself vulnerable to more flip flops flip it won't say you know I mean innocent.

I'm not where there's people that think people should grow and change their mind and change in position.

Hope that not have the same you know that we've grown -- we've got season didn't.

As we become more worldly we see different perspectives on issues I think people can change their opinions and I think.

Of course the president did that I'm gay marriage -- but we're talking about here.

It would be mistake in my opinion for for governor -- obviously having had this position in a way.

And then in this general election for him to come out now say well actually you know I I was completely wrong because what he is doing he's putting out there.

Real Health Care Reform solutions which at first and foremost include.

Free market about.

Reforms of health care.

Taking the government out taking government out of in between the patient.

And -- doctor -- -- letting people shop across state lines for healthcare and those are policies that will work across this country.

And what he looked at Massachusetts and what needed to get done and put it in there and he's got.

Different solutions for how to handle on the national level and that's what he's doing he's putting those.

Ideas and solutions for health -- out there but at the same time.

They're looking at what 73% of voters are concerned with jobs the economy and putting his.

Ideas and solutions for turning the economy going around out there and for him to be neck and neck with Obama -- in the polls at this time goes to show they're clearly doing something.

Simply splendid ladies I'm so grateful that -- made time for us on this independence weekend your necklace feels like fireworks daddies and that's -- yeah exactly okay thanks for being with us.

Now look.

Look here Internet it's Friday she you know that means it's battleground Friday when we come back we're gonna go sneak into the big board we're gonna take a look at New Hampshire -- very little state that could make a big difference in this year's elections so you should.

Stick around.

And that.

That's what it looks like -- Mitt Romney and his family go on vacation up to New Hampshire where just so happens.

That -- -- soon to be Republican nominee has a pretty sweet lake house.

And -- -- jet skis and stuff.

This is power play.

And it presidential election year.

-- -- vacation choices consequential.

And on this Friday this battleground Friday it's not inconsequential that Mitt Romney happens have a vacation home there -- New Hampshire that happens to be the state next door to the one in which he lived for decades and happened.

Be -- Sarah.

OK so it's battleground Friday I want to introduce you re introduce you to somebody.

Who I know you like because you got to know him back when it was time for the New Hampshire primary.

Chris W -- he's a professor of politics at Saint Anselm College who -- our.

Kind and hospitable host for the New Hampshire primary professor good to see it.

-- -- -- Okay he is on Skype that he is not that there's nothing weird going on here that's that's why he looks that way it's because he's -- for you.

We appreciate your commitment.

So professor here's what I want you to do I know it's probably summer recess.

There and you and you don't have to be -- any papers but I want you to take a quick look something I've put together earlier this week.

And reported at the big board so what should take a look and tell me how I did okay.

Okay okay here we go let's take a look.

And it's another battleground Friday here on power play of where we get to sneak in and use the big board for a minute.

And talk about now the key states that does and that dirty dozen that is going to decide.

The 2012 presidential -- gonna vote we've been down south with North Carolina we've been out west with New Mexico.

And Colorado we've been to Michigan.

Now we're gonna go up to the only swing state.

Up in New England up in the northeast.

Above Pennsylvania we've covered Pennsylvania.

And that is our friend New Hampshire now New Hampshire is.

A swing state this year for a unique set of reasons.

Mitt Romney owns a house there.

He governed the neighboring state he -- made his home in that part of the country.

For 25 years he's a native -- gander but he is primarily identified with this part of the country.

Now the trend in New Hampshire for a long time let's look.

The Trenton New Hampshire for a long time with that it was bright blue like its neighbors certainly.

George W.

Bush in 2004.

Couldn't get there he came a lot closer than John McCain did in 2008 but he couldn't get there but that's the way it was supposed to be.

But it point ten.

What happened in New Hampshire.

This is what.

That's -- don't do that.

This is what.

We we -- 2008 this was the trend that was expected.

So there's two things that you need to remember.

As you look at how New Hampshire's gonna vote and who's gonna win in New Hampshire.

It's pretty simple.

One is how to those folks who have emigrated from Massachusetts Boston is right there I meet Manchester in a lot of ways.

He's an excerpt to Boston and -- the big city and if we go down here.

You've seen heels were counting and then neighboring.

Over and rocking and -- out here you have a lot of people places like Portsmouth.

And then over here in Manchester.

I 95 coming right up here you have a lot of these Massachusetts voters are number one is how do that had in the mass folks vote.

That's the key for Romney he needs to get them.

The other thing that is very important for the state is you have a substantial population.

Of moderates New Hampshire loves moderate politics there it is the soul of New Hampshire this sort of New England.

Moderate view and that's up there when you get up conquered in this part of the state beat the traditional.

Sort of Pepperidge Farm he seeming kind of scenes and these folks up here.

That's.

The big question is.

They like President Obama this is bright blue look at this.

That's not how was.

For John Kerry who also had to be from Massachusetts look at how close that racist -- you just compare these two.

How are those folks gonna vote so.

Population centers in the south Mitt Romney's got good access and a good way to talk to them but for the president.

He's hoping that in the -- He can reestablish his cred.

As a moderate.

But something else that we have to look at and I think this is key I think I I want you to understand that Karl Rove Joseph Trippi.

And others have talked about the 321 strategy this is why we care so much about New Hampshire.

Is because if Mitt Romney manages to win back North Carolina Virginia Indiana.

The states that are supposed to be red states but flip for Barack Obama.

In 2008 in a wave election.

Ads in Florida.

And Ohio the states that Republicans always have to win if Republicans win those states you can pretty well take it to the bank that they're gonna be the president.

But what's the want.

What's the one New Hampshire -- kind poor electoral votes though tiny.

They have just enough that if Mitt Romney does that and can pick off this state where he has a summer home where he has these former constituents if he can do that.

He can win the presidency.

So New Hampshire writes you are going to get to see a good bit of Mitt Romney.

And the good news for the Romney family is that bad can still take you on vacation this year they'll just consider -- campaigning.

-- out there on their jet skis.

Okay that's a look at a small state that could make a big difference.

In the 2012 election will be watching it will be watching all of those counties and will be back next week.

With another edition of battleground Friday.

All right professor.

What do you say -- fail in complete.

-- definitely -- definitely -- -- especially.

I don't appreciate it -- barber cuts Islam.

I think it I think -- -- keep in mind it is particularly for our governor Romney it's actually the small towns between national and Manchester.

That we'll also be very helpful for -- -- these suburbs of the excerpts.

Boston probably I think he does a lot of advantages as someone who's from Massachusetts and -- at least as governor of Massachusetts.

And to -- very moderate way in in a -- of experience.

Consistent with that sort of old style -- -- -- -- in this.

The trick for him I think is reconciling that with the more conservative positions -- throughout.

Primary campaign got the nomination so I think he's he's trying to spread.

Present there.

Now Kelly I freshman senator from that -- she's been discussed as a possible running mate.

For Romney but she seems two based on what I've observed seems to have threading this needle pretty -- -- more conservative than maybe the traditional.

New Hampshire Republican not that seems to seems to have found a place to be does she offer a way forward for Romney.

She may he -- risk what senator Ayotte is the national we've been in office for two years and she.

He was elected in -- in what was a very very good here or.

Republicans so I thank -- if governor Romney we're looking hurts like me have to consider.

I'm a relative lack of experience on the national stage and I think after.

-- 2008 where you have a vice president candidate.

We help statewide office for two years.

I wouldn't be surprised problems a little -- -- Someone who would not want.

-- -- -- -- Now -- for President Obama has the needle swung back in new entry if you observe what's going on up there and you.

You look at the intangibles.

Or those small indicators that people like you -- It is the democratic climate in the state improved since when he ten.

I think it has I think Democrats are much better -- going this year than they were conference this time last year last fall.

I had a lot of Democrats order -- sack cloth and ashes and worry that it -- -- the nominees.

The Obama campaign was -- to stay off my and I think that campaign is really making very strong -- here.

-- or like create this weekend hand they.

You know something like a hundred people.

Around the not quite close this who clump of people you know a lot of future site -- are -- actually plan.

Are you're Bryant Brian Conway NY sentiment of the New Hampshire -- Live free or die together is something that they called -- statement that there are a lot of libertarians who migrated to New Hampshire to be part of that.

And there is that these tax refugees that live in places like -- -- who came out of Massachusetts.

Certainly have a strong small government vibe going -- then how much of the factors that.

I think it could be a factor especially in a close election if things are starting capture they looked like they are nationwide.

Then you know I think everything from the crusaders to tax refugees.

Could could -- -- -- role if on the other hand.

Yeah if -- -- president.

Takes effort it takes -- -- early.

In the state or governor Romney's and we much darker points and it's not that increases just -- -- -- citing.

Thought possible war.

I'll put up around.

Okay professor we thank you so much for making -- -- was great to see it again I knew it was just bites guys have a great day -- -- congress.

Okay that we gotta run.

It's Friday so we'll see you Monday but up next you'll see on the hunt with Jonathan Hunt which I knew you enjoy so much and now as we like to do every day we want to leave you with the word from our French -- -- Instead of just ignoring that ignoring what anybody would say about Massachusetts.

Who cares about that he's handed by the Supreme Court.

This notion that at the heart of Obama care is attacks.

And it is attacks three quarters -- which ends up falling on people of the -- -- middle income under 120000.

And he blows it releases at the beginning to -- -- -- -- tax.

He looks as if there's an internal debate within -- it is his campaign.

And had he not only didn't take advantage of some he was handed.

He turned it into a negative.