Reality Check: Rep. Bachmann's Speech At CPAC
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota Republican Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, in a rousing speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), accused President Obama of "ushering in socialism," a rhetorical flourish that's politically questionable.
But among Bachmann's many claims, one stands out: Employment growth in the United States under President Obama.
"And when the only jobs that are growing are in government," said the Tea Party favorite. "When that music ends, it is game over. And the game doesn't end very well. "
That's simply FALSE.
Some public sector jobs are growing, but so are jobs in the private sector as the recession eases.
The latest U.S. labor statistics show private job growth is up, including manufacturing, retail and health care.
But Bachmann was not far off on another claim — on the record jobless rate.
"We are witnessing unemployment for 20 months in excess of 9 percent," she said.
That's TRUE.
Unemployment for January 2011 was down slightly from 9.4 percent to 9 percent. It set a record for the longest unbroken jobless rate above 9 percent since World War II.
That's Reality Check.
Reality Check Sources
The Employment Situation – January 2011
State & County QuickFacts
Employment Situation Summary
Career Guide to Industries, 2010-11 Edition
Payrolls in January
