Jobs. Or more precisely, America's jobless economic recovery.
All of us who hailed the 2008 election for its promise of hope and change must now ask ourselves, as we approach the second Labor Day of what has been a virtually jobless Obama presidency: What moment or event can we see in our mind's eye that stands out as President Barack Obama's most significant leadership action in our jobs crisis?
Take your time. Frankly, while I'm sure they exist, I can't conjure a single scene that was memorable because the president was clearly focusing his impressive intellect and resources at solving our jobs crisis. Nor can I name one individual who is Obama's person-in-charge of creating jobs.
So, today we will suggest one potentially memorable leadership move Obama should take to aid our jobs crisis. But first, a pre-Labor Day Quick Quiz.
QUESTION: What is the name of Obama's Secretary of Labor?
(Don't despair. Few Washington pundits know, either. So to make it easier, we'll make it multiple choice.)
QUESTION: The name of President Obama's Secretary of Labor is: a) Linda Sanchez; b) Frances Perkins; c) Loretta Sanchez; d) Hilda Solis, e) Elaine Chao?
Still stuck? Not to worry. You aren't the problem. The Obama White House went two years into our no-jobs crisis without making sure you know their labor secretary as the 24/7 leader of a presidential crusade to create jobs. Then again, we also don't remember any such crusade.
All we know for sure is that, while the disastrous economy was not of Obama's making (but was bequeathed by his predecessor), the no-jobs recovery is our crisis. And our president's. So what can Obama do?
Let's start by recognizing the parts of the problem a president can affect. In addition to executive orders and enforcing regulations, presidents can help shape a positive economic environment, in modest but meaningful ways.
Corporate profits have bounced back strongly but corporations and small businesses have not responded by increasing hiring, as in past eras. Corporate executives said they are being so cautious because consumers aren't spending freely. The CEOs said they don't know how much their customers will want to buy in the future. So they are hoarding.
Obama must belatedly begin a presidential campaign in which he risks his reputation by using his persuasion and leadership to try to shift the psychology that has given us this jobless recovery. He would be wise to empower a trusted enabler -- yes, quiz-takers, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis.
Let Obama convene an ongoing series of Camp David summits on Jobs and Economic Recovery. Let him meet there with small groups -- from mega-corporate CEOs to small business owners and some labor leaders. But Obama must not repeat the mistake he made months ago when he turned a meeting at the Blair House into a live-TV time-waster. When the camera red light goes on, everyone postures (presidents included) and nothing changes.
Martin Schram writes political analysis for Scripps Howard News Service. E-mail him at martin.schram@gmail.com.
