have been hired in the past. why is that? what does it signal underneath all of the noise? joining me now is kimberly strassel, "wall street journal" columnist and member of the editorial board. good to have you with us tonight. good to see you. first, your top line reaction to this number today? >> well, look, this is a reminder, vivid reminder that the fundamentals of the u.s. economy are strong. people have been scratching their heads looking at the stock market. this is a reminder when it comes to growth and jobs, hiring, all the numbers and indicators are fine. what is driving the stork market is uncertainty about trade. what the fed is going to do next. that is a concern. if you look at the economy we are in great shape due to the tax cut and the economics. >> martha: that is what drove debbi de larry kudlow to y