[Timocrat]

But the working age population increased 300,000 and thus the labor participation rate (which is the ultimate true employment measure IMHO) fell.

The unemployment statistics have become meaningless. If the Republican candidates had an ounce of savvy between them they would hammer on the LFPR and ignore the unemployment rate.

[who knows what evil?]

According to SGS; if you include part-timers seeking full-time work and long-term discouraged workers who have given up; the REAL rate is 22.4%.

22.4%...the media doesn't have the nads to float that out there without a Republican in the White House. Shame the candidates don't have the nads to run with THAT number...