Politics Aside, Here's How the U.S. Economy Is Doing

During the Sept. 26 presidential debate, Hillary Clinton said the U.S. is on the “precipice” of having a stronger economy, while Donald Trump characterized the ongoing recovery as the “worst revival” since the Great Depression.

Who’s right (or at least less wrong)?

Before we try to answer that question, let’s note another factor affecting the economy: The candidates. Americans view this presidential campaign as the most negative in U.S. history, polls show, with potential voters describing both Clinton and Trump as risky choices. The country has faced tough electoral races before, of course, but the current ugliness seems to be casting an unusually noxious pall over the economy.