The GDP (Gross domestic product) has been the benchmark that measures the economy for many years.

It tells us if we are in an actual recession or not.

Recession

Two consecutive quarters of decline in real GDP is commonly taken to be a recession.

Economy grows by only 0.6 percent in first quarter
Wednesday April 30, 10:14 am ET
By Jeannine Aversa, AP Economics Writer
Economy limps ahead at a 0.6 percent pace in first quarter, better pace than expected

WASHINGTON (AP) — The bruised economy limped through the first quarter, growing at a 0.6 percent pace as housing and credit problems forced people and businesses alike to hunker down.

The country’s economic growth during January through March was the same as in the final three months of last year, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday.

Do not listen to Democrats, we are not in a recession. They want us in a recession so they can win the White House. This has been proven in California where Democrats actually plotted to keep that state in a recession in order to defeat Governor Schwarzenegger. Fortunately they were caught because they forgot to turn the microphone off in their meeting room.

We are not in a recession but the economy has definitely slowed due to the credit crunch. So when Democrats tell you we are in a recession, they are lying to you, as usual.