J-O-B-S.

Four huge banners spelling out that word decorate the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters, directly across Lafayette Square from the White House. But those same banners could also be flying from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Last fall, the Chamber and the president fought a fierce battle for control of Congress. But now they have a common interest, accelerating the economic recovery and reducing the unemployment rate. That’s why Obama defied his liberal critics and strolled across the square to address the Chamber and offer, “I will go anywhere, anytime to be a booster for American businesses, American workers and American products.”

The most important number in American politics is the jobless rate. It was approaching 10 percent in November, and that’s the single biggest reason Democrats got trounced at the polls. Obama knows full well that his chances for re-election depend heavily on his ability to reduce that number and convince voters that the country is headed in the right direction.

Around the White House, job one is term two, and Team Obama has come to acknowledge a basic truth. Businesses create jobs, not unions. Only entrepreneurs, investors and risk-takers can imagine new products and services, expand markets and hire workers.