Surprise Jobs Report Adds 254,000 Jobs – Why It's Good News For Kamala Harris

The latest jobs report is giving Kamala Harris some much-needed momentum. In September, the U.S. economy added 254,000 jobs, a big boost beyond what economists expected. The unemployment rate also dipped to 4.1%, better than predictions that it would remain at 4.2%. With the presidential election just around the corner, this robust jobs growth might be exactly what Harris needs to strengthen her position on the economy.

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Harris and President Joe Biden have faced heat over inflation and negative consumer sentiment for months. Donald Trump, in particular, has repeatedly slammed the administration, blaming them for high prices and economic instability. But this jobs report shifts the narrative. According to Matt Colyar, an economist at Moody's Analytics, recent economic data plays a major role in how voters feel as elections approach: “That’s what people have in their minds. They don’t think about longer-running trends," he told Business Insider. This latest report, combined with the temporary resolution of the East Coast dockworkers' strike, signals positive developments that Harris can now lean on.

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Despite the good news, Harris’s road ahead isn't smooth. A September survey by the University of Michigan showed that while consumer sentiment has improved, Americans' views on the economy are still largely negative. Similarly, a Pew Research Center poll from late August showed that only a quarter of Americans believe economic conditions are good or excellent, with a stark partisan divide – 41% of Democrats see the economy positively, while only 10% of Republicans share that view.

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Harris has faced criticism for the 2021 American Rescue Plan, which some blame for contributing to inflation. However, economists point out that inflation was driven by many factors, including supply chain disruptions. The Biden administration, seizing the positive jobs report, stated that more than 16 million jobs have been created since they took office and wages are growing faster than inflation. Harris’s camp hopes this message resonates with voters as they weigh their options.

Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su echoed this optimism, noting to Business Insider that while there's still work to be done, “We're just getting onto solid footing and we need to continue the policies and leadership that make that possible.” With economic concerns still top of mind for voters, this surprise jobs report could be the boost Harris needed to stay competitive.

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