Analyzing growth

THE PROBLEM

There are 371,000 fewer jobs since Bush took office in 2001.

THE BRIGHT SIDE

Employers hired 1.8 million new workers this year.

BUSH'S PLAN

Extend tax cuts, make health care more affordable by limiting jury awards in malpractice lawsuits, increase domestic energy production to create conditions favorable to job growth.

PROGNOSIS

"We can expect to see a mediocre job market for the next year from the perspective of workers," one economist said.