Robust Employment Gains
Both Mr. and Mrs. Pence and Mr. and Mrs. Biden have tested negative. Other good news is that the economy is gaining traction, reports James Freeman in the WSJ.
The U.S. has now recovered more than half the jobs lost in the spring season of shutdowns ordered by state and local governments.
(The) first couple’s positive tests will likely sharpen the election choice of hope vs. fear in response to the virus. Amid all the interruptions and insults at Tuesday night’s presidential debate, one clear theme that emerged is that the president is focused on reopening and economic revival and former Vice President Joe Biden is willing to re-impose economy-shattering lockdowns.
The pollster Scott Rasmussen observes: “Elections are usually decided on whether voters are become (sic) more or less optimistic on the main issue facing the country. More optimism favors the incumbent; pessimism helps the challenger.”
The political panic over COVID has never been about a sober consideration of risk, maintains Mr. Freeman.
A robust recovery by our 74-year-old president could help counter a pandemic of fear. Beyond the electoral impact, it might even inspire people to let 7-year-olds go back to class.
