President Obama is embarking on a multi-city tour to assure Americans he's still focused on the economy, while trying to pass sweeping gun control and immigration legislation.

This latest effort comes as a new poll shows that many Americans are pessimistic about the country's economic recovery and the president's ability to handle it.

Only one in four Americans expect his or her financial situation to improve over the next year, according to the latest AP-GFK poll.

The public's negative outlook is affecting President Obama's approval rating.

Only 46 percent of Americans approve of how he's handling the economy, while 52 percent disapprove.
   
This is the third consecutive year the nation's economic recovery has slowed down in the spring.

Several recent reports on the economy reveal slowdowns in hiring, consumer retail spending, manufacturing activity and economic growth.