When it comes to growing jobs and the economy, Democrats and Republicans are fundamentally different in their approach.
Republicans have boasted about the job market this year, with House Speaker Paul Ryan saying, “More people are finding work. Companies are expanding; confidence is surging.”
However, Democrats argue it’s not the average worker that's benefiting in this economy.
“In the Trump economy, bit wealthy corporations are cashing in,” explains Chuck Schumer (D-NY). “The top 1 percent are doing great and American workers are falling behind.”
According to government numbers, right now, the unemployment rate is among the lowest in the past 10 years.
Republicans credit their tax plan and the president for cutting regulations.
“EPA restrictions, labor restrictions, that hurt job creators. [Trump’s] really had a very pro-growth agenda that's resulted in very low unemployment and a strong economy, and that's something he can talk about, and Republicans can talk about, as they campaign in advance of November’s election,” says Republican strategist Ryan Williams.
While more Americans may be working, Democrats argue most Americans aren't making more money as wages have fallen flat.
“People are not seeing a rise in their income, and that's going to start to impact workers and jobs as well,” says Democratic strategist Tiffany Cross.
Another issue that could hurt jobs: the president's trade war, which Democratic candidates could use as an issue heading into the midterms.
“The trade war that [Trump] started with our allies is impacting people who voted for him and people who didn't vote for him,” says Cross. “I hope they'll give real-life examples of how people have lost their jobs as a result of these policies.”
“There are certain concerns about the impact of these tariffs, but whether you agree or disagree with them, it shows he's at least trying to address the concerns of blue-collar workers who've seen their jobs go overseas,” says Williams.
