CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Democrats say answering the question of whether Americans are better off now than they were four years ago requires some context.

Massachusetts Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren tells NBC's "Today" show Tuesday that people should remember how far the economy fell and how hard it is to get back from a time when the stock market was crashing and the auto industry was a mess. She says the real issue is who has the best plan to move forward.

Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan, meanwhile, says to ask the millions of people out of work if they are better off. He noted on ABC "Good Morning America" that unemployment remains above 8 percent, despite President Barack Obama's stimulus plan.

The question is a major talking point as the Democratic National Convention kicks off Tuesday.