Stuck in Jobs: The New Swing Voters

Many Americans who have weathered the recession with their jobs intact are now sheltering in place, either fearful of risking a change or simply lacking the opportunity. Since January 2009, an average one million fewer Americans per month have quit their jobs than in previous years. Through April 2011, the most recent data available, that adds up to 28 million Americans stuck in jobs they would have left in ordinary times. At double the number of the 14 million unemployed Americans, it is also a huge swath of voters who may be in search of a presidential candidate who they believe understands their discontent. Pres Obama and his advisers know the danger he faces: No US president since World War II has been reelected with unemployment above 7.2%. If the president wants to keep his job, Americans may first have to feel more confident about quitting theirs.