The chief architect of many of President Barack Obama's economic policies is leaving the administration.

Lawrence Summers, director of the National Economic Council, said he's returning to Harvard University, after working two years in the White House. He was the designer of the massive stimulus and government bailout plans.

Summers departure comes just as the president is trying to convince voters that his policies have helped the economy.

"The notion that people that supported us would be immune to that frustration when the president himself is frustrated --I don't think is something that the president believed," said White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.

The administration announced it is sending First Lady Michelle Obama out on the campaign trail to help try to rally voters. Also, former President Bill Clinton is urging voters to give the Democrats just two more years -- with a caveat.

"If we don't do better you can vote against us all," Clinton said. "And I'll be on the ballot, too. Vote against us all if it's not better.

The Federal Reserve reported the economy has slowed in recent months. In August, more than half of U.S. states saw their unemployment rates rise.