There are 4.6 million people in America who count as long-term unemployed, meaning they've been unemployed for at least 27 weeks. The plight of the long-term unemployed is the biggest economic issue facing the country. Even as the economy improves, a huge block of workers is becoming shut out of the work force, damaging society and its long-term potential. It's a much bigger deal than the debt, or any other economic issue.

Here's how much politicians care, via National Journal's Niraj Chokshi: