Unemployment rate vs. job growth. What matters more to the voter?

[old timey villain]

There are two main numbers that most people use to gauge the state of the economy.

So, here's the unemployment rate chart

Looks good for Obama

And here's a job growth chart

Looks kind of meh this month

Or, a lesser known statistic

Looks terrible for Obama

Which of these statistics is more meaningful to the average voters?

[old timey villain]

also, f*** me, I put this thread in the wrong area. Can a moderator move it to the 2012 election forum please?

[old timey villain]

here's what I don't get. In the past two months, we have had weak jobs reports, yet the unemployment rate has declined. People explain that by saying that more and more people are getting discouraged and leaving the workforce.

But it seems to me that maybe this is partly a natural effect of the baby boomers retiring. Also, why would people suddenly be getting discouraged and dropping out now, when we have had good economic news for most of this year?