Sunday shows: Economy and November

With the midterms fast approaching, Sunday’s talk shows are all about
making sense of the economy and what the latest employment numbers
portend at the ballot box.

But international news isn’t far
behind, with President Obama this week announcing the end of the combat
mission in Iraq and holding a Middle East peace summit at the White
House.

{mosads}CBS’ “Face the Nation” features Laura Tyson, former chairwoman of the
Council of Economic Advisers and Mark Zandi, chief economist for
Moody’s Analytics. They’ll discuss the latest numbers from the Labor
Department, which reports that unemployment rose by 0.1 percentage
points in August to 9.6 percent. Democrats have been putting a positive
spin on the numbers, pointing out that people are re-entering the job
market and the private sector added 67,000 new jobs last month.

Expect Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) to argue that the recovery isn’t
fast or deep enough on “Fox News Sunday.” McCain will also talk foreign
policy, with Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine offering
counterpoint.

NBC’s “Meet the Press” features Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). The
Armed Services Committee member has just returned from Afghanistan
where he was serving reserve duty as a colonel for the U.S. Air Force,
and will share his thoughts on the conflict there and in Iraq. David
Plouffe, Obama’s presidential campaign manager, will discuss the
challenges facing Democrats and the president.

ABC’s “This Week” talks to former British Prime Minister Tony Blair
about his new memoir. In “A Journey,” Blair reflects on supporting the
United States after the Sept. 11 attacks and taking his country to war
in Iraq. He’ll also share his thoughts on American leaders including
Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Dick Cheney.

Finally, CNN’s “State of the Union” features AFL-CIO President
Richard Trumka to talk about the economy and jobs. Todd McCracken,
president of the National Association of Small Business, will also be
on the show.