Jobs, jobs, jobs!

The populist message of keeping jobs in America sounds really good, but it is likely to prove nearly impossible to implement. I just don't see workable solutions to the myriad of issues as to why the U.S. is bleeding jobs.

Job retraining seems a likely help for some workers, but if that one factory in town has moved overseas, where are you going to use your new skills?

Protectionism seems to be playing well to all audiences. It should be kept in mind that both GATT and NAFTA were passed under the Clinton administration. Although their primary drivers were GOP initiatives. (very inverse Nedra Pickler)

Kerry voted for GATT, NAFTA, and Permanent Normal Trade Relations(PNTR) for China. Obviously this should present a problem for Kerry.

Kerry has proven himself a much more savvy campaigner than I thought he was capable of. Instead of allowing the GOP to attack his voting record -- remember, all of these were GOP initiatives -- he has, at least for now defused the issue. How? I'll tell you how :)

Kerry has apparently proposed a 120-day review of all trade pacts. He laid out specific guidelines for companies wanting to send jobs overseas, including at least three months' advance notice for affected employees as well as notification of the Labor Department, state agencies and local government officials.

In addition, he would require the federal government to compile statistics on off-shored jobs and report to Congress annually on how many positions were going where and why. He also would ensure that federal contracts did not go to foreigners.

I'm sure that the GOP will use this to leverage the issue that the Dems are going to derail our vaunted economic recovery. What I'm not so sure about, is how well the GOP's likely message will play on Main Street.

If the economy is still treading water regarding job creation come November, the election may turn on this single issue.

I don't see any real movement to keep jobs here. It sounds terrific, but there is too much talent outside the U.S. at less cost to sway corporate bean counters.(no offense to any CPAs)