In a time of economic uncertainty and fear, that is the core question implicit "” and sometimes explicit "” on Election Day 2009.

After a year of sweeping, even breathtaking governmental action to revive the economy "” bailouts, stimulus packages, new regulations and trillions of newly printed dollars and debt "” is the country really better off and on the road to recovery?

The answer that Obama and the Democrats will hear tonight is likely to be a loud "we're not sure."� Not that the Republicans should gloat; voters distrust their party as much, if not more.

Whatever the final tallies, it's clear that our politics are back to square one: to the economy and what...