- The Historical Puzzle of US Economic Performance under Democrats vs. Republicans. The US economy has consistently done better under Democratic presidents. A remarkable 9 of the last 10 recessions have started when a Republican was president. Yet more Americans believe the reverse. https://econbrowser.com/archives/2024/03/guest-contribution-the-historical-puzzle-of-us-economic-performance-under-democrats-vs-republicans 15 comments economy