Odessa American in Odessa, Texas

Obama recovery plans spark questions from economists and lawmakers

President Obama offered a bold policy course as a break from the past yet the economy worsens. More than 4 million jobs have been lost since 2007 with stocks plunging, and critics worry that government activism sows uncertainty. Public approval stays high but support for specific policies flags as Treasury efforts to fix the financial system face scrutiny and investors seek signs of real results. Allan Sinai notes there is no easy path through the crisis.