During his presidency from 2009 to 2017, Barack Obama faced criticism on many fronts, including his perceived failure to create jobs and stem the tide of outsourcing. Many Americans believed that he should have done more to keep jobs in the United States and reduce the number of jobs that were sent abroad. In this article, we will examine the evidence on this topic and provide a closer look at the number of jobs outsourced during Obama’s presidency.

Job Losses During the Recession

Before we can assess the number of jobs outsourced during Obama’s presidency, we need to understand the context in which he took office. In 2008, the United States was in the midst of a severe recession, and many businesses were struggling to survive.

As a result, millions of Americans lost their jobs, and the unemployment rate reached its highest level since World War II.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the unemployment rate in the United States peaked at 10% in April 2009, just after Obama took office. At that time, there were approximately 34 million Americans out of work, and many of them were struggling to find new jobs.

The Impact of Outsourcing on Jobs

Outsourcing is the practice of sending jobs to other countries where labor costs are lower. While outsourcing can be an effective way for businesses to reduce their costs, it can also have negative consequences for workers and communities in the United States.

One of the main concerns about outsourcing during Obama’s presidency was its impact on job creation. Many Americans believed that he should have done more to prevent companies from sending jobs abroad, and to create new opportunities for American workers.

According to a report by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), the number of jobs sent abroad by American companies increased during Obama’s presidency. Between 2009 and 2015, the EPI estimates that companies outsourced approximately 3.4 million jobs to other countries.

However, it is important to note that the number of jobs outsourced during Obama’s presidency was not the only factor affecting job creation in the United States. The overall economic climate, as well as the availability of new technologies and industries, also played a significant role in shaping employment patterns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the number of jobs outsourced during Obama’s presidency was a concern for many Americans, it is important to understand the context in which he took office. The United States was facing a severe recession, and millions of Americans were struggling to find new jobs. While outsourcing can have negative consequences for workers and communities in the United States, it is just one factor among many that affects job creation.

Ultimately, the best way to address the challenges faced by American workers is to focus on creating new opportunities for growth and innovation. This may involve investing in education and training programs, promoting entrepreneurship and small business development, and supporting policies that foster economic growth and job creation.