abc2 news manyly schmidt is in -- emily schmidt is in washington. >> reporter: there are two opposite arguments you can count on hearing when the jobs numbers are released on the first friday of every month. democrats say that the poor economy president obama inherited is improving. republicans say after nearly 4 years in office president obama has not lived up to his promises the and as the election draws near the candidates are laser focus on job creation in their campaign pitches. >> we have a different view about how to create jobs and prosperity. this country doesn't succeed when only the rich get richer. >> i want to keep taxes down on small business so we can create jobs. this is about good jobs for the american people. >> reporter: when asked who would best handle unemployment, voters surveyed in a cnn orc poll taken before the week's debate picked romney by a 51- 45% margin over obama. today's numbers will be especially scrutinized because after this there is just one more jobs report expected before the november election. in washington, i am emily schmidt. >> the job report