Brookings Today, 11/7/14

A roundup of some of the content published today by Brookings.

• Jobs report commentary:
  • Gary Burtless says that while the employment picture has brightened, wage gains lag.
  • David Wessel explains why, despite the falling jobless rate, Americans remain gloomy.
  • Jonathan Wright shows that alternative seasonal adjustments in the jobs data confirm slow and steady job growth.
• Why Obama’s letter to the Ayatollah was a mistake. Suzanne Maloney explains why President Obama’s letter (reported by the Wall Street Journal) “betrays a profound misunderstanding of the Iranian leadership,” will likely hinder resolving Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and undercuts the administration in the region and at home.
• A new climate for immigration reform? As power shifts to a Republican-controlled Congress after Tuesday’s election, questions continue about the prospects for federal immigration reform. Neil Ruiz examines the possibilities.
• How much did your vote cost? The 2014 midterm elections saw the first Senate race to top $100 million in combined independent and candidate spending. Grace Wallack and John Hudak tally up the most expensive Senate races by voter.
• The big questions on ISIS. Robert Hein examines whether ISIS is truly a threat to the United States, and answers other key questions.
• New challenges for China. As protesters continue to occupy the streets of Hong Kong, Richard Bush and Injoo Sohn discuss the tension of globalization and localization for China’s leaders.

Charmaine Crutchfield contributed to this post.