With only a few days left before the election, the latest unemployment figures have given former President Donald Trump’s campaign a reason to target Vice President Kamala Harris. The federal government reported that only 12,000 jobs were created in October, falling far below the estimated 120,000 and marking the lowest number in four years. The decrease was attributed to the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Boeing strike, and other labor disputes.
This disappointing news has provided the Trump campaign with ammunition to criticize Harris as both presidential nominees are in a close race in national polls and battleground states. The campaign reacted strongly to the report, calling it a “catastrophe” and blaming Harris for breaking the economy. The focus has shifted to the economy, which has been a bright spot for the Biden-Harris administration amidst public dissatisfaction with inflation.
President Biden responded to the report by noting that unemployment remained steady at 4.1% and highlighting the challenges posed by hurricanes and strikes on job growth. He emphasized the administration’s achievements, pointing out the creation of 16 million jobs since taking office and the lowest average unemployment rate in 50 years. However, recent polls have shown Harris narrowing the gap with Trump on handling the economy, especially in battleground states like Michigan and Pennsylvania.
As the election draws near, the economy remains a key issue for voters. Both campaigns are using the latest jobs report to their advantage, with Trump’s team criticizing Harris’s economic policies while Biden emphasizes the administration’s successes. The race is tight, and the outcome may hinge on how voters perceive the candidates’ ability to address economic challenges. Stay tuned for more updates on the 2024 campaign trail and exclusive interviews on our Fox News Digital election hub.
