Frequently we hear that the number one issue in the November elections will the economy.  But, that definition seems too broad, too much a battle of statistics and too abstract.  The central issue of the election will be, and should be, JOBS.

Whenever ordinary Americans voters speak about the weak economy or the economy being in recession they are expressing worry, frustration and insecurity with their JOBS. 

Will they lose their jobs to downsizing or will their jobs be exported?

Have their wages kept up with inflation and will they keep up with inflation in the future?

Will their children have jobs, or will the jobs go to a flood of illegal immigrants?

Voters are awaiting a candidate who can articulate such abstract concepts as "the economy" and "are we in a recession or merely a prolonged slowdown" in terms they can readily understand -- their jobs.  After all, for most of us, our jobs are our personal stake in the great American economy.  When we have job security and when our wages are at least keeping up with inflation, we just know the economy is good and nobody can tell us the economy is unsound. 

But, when we are worried about our jobs and we know our wages are not keeping up with inflation, nobody can tell us that the economy has never been better, or that we must continue the policies that have failed to produce secure, good paying jobs.

This year we are worried about our jobs.  This year, the  Mr. Clinton who ran in 1992 would have a sign in his campaign headquarter that reads, "IT'S THE JOBS --- STUPID".