Ugly jobs numbers rattle Obama's re-election bid

The Associated Press

AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall
President Barack Obama greets supporters after speaking about jobs for veterans, Friday, June 1, 2012, at Honeywell Automation and Control Solutions Global Headquarters in Golden Valley, Minn. A spring slowdown in hiring and an uptick in the unemployment rate are weighing on Barack Obama, while enhancing Republican challenger Mitt Romney's argument that the president is in over his head.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nothing upsets a president's re-election groove like ugly economic numbers.

A spring slowdown in hiring and an uptick in the unemployment rate are weighing on Barack Obama, while enhancing Republican challenger Mitt Romney's argument that the president is in over his head.

Some questions and answers about how Friday's economic news may play in a close presidential race:

Q: How bad is this for Obama?

A: Pretty awful. Polls show Obama's handling of the economy is his biggest weak spot. Americans overwhelmingly rate the economy as their biggest worry. And jobs are what they say matters most.

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June 02, 2012

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1. Philip Vorgias wrote on June 02, 2012 9:40 AM	This guy has tacked more debt onto our grandchildrens accounts than the last half dozen Presidents combined, for ZERO positive impact on our economy. But it's his ZERO contributions on Hellenic issues which justify his being shown the door in November. For that reason and no other I propose Greek Americans vote for alternative candidates. We need to show Washington that our issues DO matter and we will NOT be taken for granted anymore!

2. Niko Seretis wrote on June 02, 2012 9:44 AM	How can someone who never held a job jump start an economy that will produce jobs?

3. Philip Vorgias wrote on June 02, 2012 10:35 AM	Obama has a gift of gab and a matter-of-fact delivery, but it's gotten old. He's running on a record now, not BS promises of 'Change'. He's in deep political trouble, but it's up to we Greek Americans-particularly the Democrats-who need to let Obama know we're fed up with his lack of support on Hellenic issues (Cyprus, the Patriarchate, Aegean dispute, coddling of Turkey, etc.). Those who support Obama need to let him and his advisors know why is support from Greek Americans is dropping precipitously. There is still time for Obama to do some things for Greece, if he acknowledges the importance of our support as an ethnic comminity. But precious little time.
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Wednesday, May 22, 2013 Last Update: 2:33 AM ET