[kbutler]

Yes, the problems with the economy remain the same whether we attach the label "recession" or not. Yes, job growth is a counter-indicator, an unusual feature of an economy having the problems we are having.

However, there are separate problems with the government scrambling to focus on messaging/spin instead of the actual issues, and the magnifying problem of the whole media complex jumping to toe the party line.

Current statements differ dramatically from previous comments, such as two years ago, when global events also caused a downturn, or even months ago, before the white house started messaging "other factors".

For what it's worth, 2 years ago, NPR stated, 'The standard definition of a recession is "a decline in economic activity that lasts more than a few months.' while noting the covid effects on the economy were broad and deep enough to declare a recession earlier than usual. https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/0...

Yes, let's get the economy going, but let's also have the press play their watchdog role, and not just be boosters of the administration.

[AstralStorm]

Job growth on it's own is nothing if the new jobs cannot provide a living (well enough of one), as it will still starve multiple sectors of economy of income and shrink them hard, possibly beyond recovery. And interest rates are already near zero so that cannot be cut either. Taxes could but it will instead ruin already underinvested infrastructure.

Personal monetary liquidity would be a good measure, combined with business liquidity. (Money velocity excluding banks.)

Unfortunate fact is that because prices increased (mostly due to greed in oil/gas sector and housing bubble) and wages did not, it results in USA people facing austerity and cutting spending. And if they have to do it, so do companies, ultimately.

Covid mostly accelerated the trend in a few industries.