How recessions haunted three presidents, and how two others recovered

Here are five presidents who tried to navigate stormy economic seas — with very different results. President Carter: Inflation and malaisePresident Carter’s example is one that has stalked Democratic presidents ever since. Bush: Iraq, recession and a lost reelectionForeign affairs triumphs can be fleeting — especially if they clash with a downturn at home. Bush lost his reelection fight to Bill Clinton. President Obama: Taming the Great RecessionThe nation’s first Black president took office with the nation’s economy on the brink of catastrophe.