The Bush verses Clinton Economy

When comparing the economy under the two Presidents, its easy to say (as Clinton did) that the economy was better under his administration then under Bush's.  However to compare apples to apples, we have to look at the first 4 years of the Clinton administration verses the 4 years of the Bush administration. 

The "wonderful" economy everyone likes to remember from the 1990s is the 1996 - 2000 period.  Investors Business Daily has a good article comparing the 1993-1996 verses 2001-2004 periods. 

Bottom line, Bush took office just as the economy was going into recession, Clinton took office as the economy was coming out of recession.  Bush had 9-11 which was not a positive effect on the economy, Clinton did have his attempt for the government to take over health care, but that was self inflicted. 

The economy is better off today then it was in 1996.