Whether the job market actually feels stronger depends on your perspective.

The economy is ending 2011 on a roll.

Unemployment has been stuck near 9 percent since the recession ended more than two years ago. The jobs report for September on Friday sent the clearest signal to date that the crisis will last through next year's elections.

A tentative thumbs-up. That's the assessment from economists, who have offered mainly positive reviews of President Barack Obama's $447 billion plan to stimulate job creation.

A look at the ideas taking shape at the White House to spur job growth and the arguments on why they will or won't work.

First, do no harm. Economists say the most important part of the jobs plan President Barack Obama will unveil Thursday night is the renewal of two measures already in place a cut in Social Security taxes and emergency aid for the unemployed.

The job market is even worse than the 9.1 percent unemployment rate suggests.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke signaled Friday that Congress must do more to promote growth, or risk delaying the economy's return to full health.