Economists agree: Stimulus created nearly 3 million jobs

[nmbluesky]

Amid mounting signs that the economic recovery is faltering, one potential remedy seems out of the question: a booster shot of government spending.
The White House says the multiyear $814 billion stimulus program passed by Congress in 2009 boosted employment by 2.5 million to 3.6 million jobs and raised the nation's annual economic output by almost $400 billion. A recent study by two prominent economists generally agrees, crediting the pump-priming with averting "what could gave been called Great Depression 2.0."

If President Obama expected anyone to say, "Thank you," however, he's been disappointed. In a recent USA TODAY/Gallup Poll, 59% of respondents disapproved of the president's handling of the economy. In the partisan war over the economy's performance, the word "stimulus" has became synonymous with "boondoggle," making the notion of a repeat any time soon highly unlikely — especially if Republicans seize control of one or both houses of Congress in November.
More: http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2010-08-30-stimulus30_CV_N.htm

[yourout]

1. I was the right idea just needed to be about 3 times the size it was.

It was small enough to fail but big enough for the Pukes to hit us over the head with.

[Historic NY]

2. They weren't going along with, but will take advantage of its positive effects..

they need to be slammed right between the eyes with it.

[babylonsister]

3. And ironically, it wasn't big enough because of the pukes. nt

[Dawgs]

4. How did it fail? It did exactly what they said it would do.

The unemployment rate would be 2-3% higher if not passed.

And, how would they have passed a larger bill without any republican support?

[yourout]

5. I agree it didnt fail but the results needed to be even more substantial to...

keep the pukes from saying it did.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

6. They'd have said it failed anyway.

If the stimulus got us down to 4% unemployment, they'd say the recovery was happening anyway and this was just a handout to welfare queens.

There is no win.

[Dawgs]

9. Absolutely. Unfortunately, Americans are dumb and buying the GOP spin.

:pals:

[FBaggins]

7. How did it do "exactly what they said it would do"?

What is it that you remember "they" said?

[Dawgs]

8. They specifically said that it would create or save 3 to 4 million jobs.

Obama, "will likely save or create three to four million jobs."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28590554/

CBO says stimulus may have added 3.3 million jobs, SO FAR
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/political-economy/2010/08/cbo_says_stimulus_may_have_add.html

[FBaggins]

10. And the opinion of two economists proves that it DID that?

Also from your link"

"If nothing is done, economists from across the spectrum tell us that this recession could linger for years and the unemployment rate could reach double digits "

There's simply no way to prove that the stimulus created or saved millions of jobs... and no way to prove that it didn't.

[Dawgs]

13. What the fuck do you think happened to those billions of dollars?

They were spent on something; which can be proven.

And, it was the CBO that came up with the empoyment #'s, not just two economists.

Can you read?

[Dawson Leery]

11. Another $500 billion in infrastrucure spending

combined with a national bank that could lend directly to businesses would be a great assist at this time.
The stimulus package had a clear positive effect in that it kept the employment rate below 10%. Still more was needed.

[562dem]

12. I still have doubts, because here in California

unemployment is brutal. We are all hurting terribly. A lot of my friends can't find job at all

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

14. Spider-Man can't shot web at all.