Activists critical of Obama, Romney on economy

FILE - Feb. 18, 2010: Mitt Romney, left, and Sen. Scott Brown, R- Mass., at the Conservative Political Action Conference, in Washington. (AP)

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – They are separated at rival conferences by 1,000 miles and a world of political ideology. But liberal and conservative activists are finding themselves united by a deep disappointment with the nation's economy.

Some of the most passionate voters from both parties suggest that neither presidential candidate has sufficiently sharpened his economic message or clearly outlined a plan to get the nation back on track.

Democrats at NetRoots Nation in Providence, R.I., criticize President Barack Obama's willingness to fight for liberal priorities.

Meanwhile, in Chicago, activists at the Conservative Political Action Conference wonder aloud about Republican Mitt Romney's conviction to act aggressively on their behalf.

It's a stark reminder five months before Election Day that Obama and Romney have work to do on the most fundamental issue in the presidential contest.