For the second time in two years, the President – who has presided over the loss of more jobs during his term in office than any administration since that of Herbert Hoover – is making no effort to renew unemployment insurance coverage. Despite a recent blip in the unemployment rate, the number of chronically unemployed Americans remains at an 11-year high.

“The president is giving huge tax breaks to the rich, working to allow employers to stop paying overtime for 8 million workers, and pushing custom legislation for media giants,” said Zack Exley, organizing director for MoveOn.org. “But when it comes to unemployed workers losing their benefits at Christmas time, this is the Scrooge White House.”

In its daily “Misleader” campaign report, MoveOn.org notes that in the past, Bush has said such stirring things as “I don’t think [Congress] ought to balance their budget on the backs of the poor.” But when asked about the Republican Congress’ refusal to extend jobless benefits, the best the White House could offer yesterday was: “We’ll continue to work with Congress on that issue.” Merry Christmas, jobless Americans!

To read today’s daily Mislead, visit: www.Misleader.org.