And again, Obama didn't just inherit an economy that had just crashed in late 2008 as a result of Wall St deregulation and housing bubble bursting, he inherited the Bush tax cuts for the rich. Less taxable income, lower taxes, more money going into ultra-rich people's savings accounts and tax shelters.
My main criticism of Obama is extending the Bush tax cuts. He should have abolished them the day he was inaugurated in January 2009. Raise taxes, suspend unemployment insurance for 1 fiscal year and legalize all drugs. That will balance the budget in 3 years.