The ONLY way the economy will recover is Government getting the Hell out of the way...period.No and neither could Obama have undone the damage done by previous administrations for the last 3 decades. Even if he had tried by the proper steps which he did not. He took the more of the same approach.
Even if Obama had taken the proper steps, it would have had little or no effect - the economy will recover in its own way in its own time.
And there are actually very few steps a president can take, given hes not a dictator. He can make proposals to Congress, but ultimately its up to the Legislative branch to address economic issues.
Tragically, its the responsibility of both branches of government to address the needs of the nation; the House and Senate working together, democrats and republicans of both houses working together.
This isnt the failure of a given president or legislative body, its a collective failure, with the voters as much a part of the problem as government.