Because a recession has a specific meaning, there has to be negative growth for it to be a recession.
During the Bush recession, UE ranged from 5.0 to 9.5. Currently UE is 3.9.
During the Bush recession GDP growth per quarter was 1.38, 0.27, -2.54, -3.23, -3.98. Currently GDP growth is 4.9.
So, do tell what was better then compared to now?
Not anymore. We now live in a world where men can have babies.. progressives attack, and render meaningless the meaning of words.