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we asked anthony mason to fill us in. >> reporter: in battle creek, michigan, this week, a "now hiring" call posted by a casino brought 1,500 job applicants hoping to win one of the 300 new jobs the gambling center will create. but fed chairman ben bernanke seems unsure which way to bet on the economy right now. bernanke told congress today the financial crisis in europe is slowing the economy here. >> moreover, the possibility that the situation in europe will worsen further remains a significant risk to the outlook. >> reporter: repeatedly, bernanke has appealed to capitol hill for...

>> moreover, the possibility that the situation in europe will worsen further remains a significant risk to the outlook. >> reporter: repeatedly, bernanke has appealed to capitol hill for help in giving the economy a shot in the arm, but new york senator chuck schumer told him point blank today to forget it. >> given the political realities mr. chairman, particularly in this election year, i'm afraid the fed is the only game in town. and i would urge you to take whatever actions you think would be most helpful in supporting a stronger economic recovery. >> reporter: doubts about the ...

this is the "cbs evening news" with scott pelley. >> pelley: good evening. this is worst economic recovery america has ever had. we've been looking for hopeful signs, but today the chairman of the federal reserve threw a cold splash of reality on those hopes. ben bernanke said any improvement in unemployment will "likely be frustratingly slow." well, yes, to say the least. have a look at this. this chart starts in january, 2008, with the steep rise in unemployment. unemployment soared over 8% and it has stayed over 8% for 41 months in a row. it's 8.2% right now. bernanke was telling ...