What we need…is for Phil Gramm to take a hike. Hey, how about UBS and the mortgage meltdown…how 'bout your role in that Mr. Gramm. On second thought, let's run old Phil through the wringer – there's enough dirt on him to float the media for at least a few days. Human trash, mccain and gramm both.

Hold on a second….Gramm said “Thank God the economy is not as bad as you read in the newspaper every day." But I just saw a McCain commercial that says "The economy is in shambles." Which is it, McSame? You can't have it both ways! Why is the media not jumping at this?!?

with these 2 presumptive presidential candidates, all of America should be scared and we will be whining for years to come.

McCain, McCain, McCain… and exactly what is Obama's plan? Other than whine, whine, whine? He never talks about his plans… oh wait, he doesn't have any!

Thank you Gramm. This is all we needed to dispel Obama's elitist title. Now the McCain campaign is going to be seen as a mere group of republicans: only concerned about the corporate CEOs who escaped this crisis with golden parachutes. Sen McCain, I can tell you that we Americans won't be whining that much longer because there will soon be a democrat in office.

This guy is absolutly right. hurts but it is the truth !!!

Rob from NC

Quote of the Century…

" My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. I hope you will join with me as we try to change it."

Barak Hussein Obama.

If I had made only a fraction of the money Phil Graham & his wife & his kids mad on the ENRON scam I'd think the economy was just dandy too !

Gramm lives on the Congressional Retirement plan of full salary (with raises) and an excellent health care plan FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE. Not only that but he is making the big bucks as a lobbyist. McCain marrys a multi millionaire and is set for life. These guys just keep getting richer.

Let them spend one year, hell . . . one month trying to make ends meet on a $30,000 income without health insurance and see if they don't become whiners.

They are both McJERKS!

Sorry Gramm but let's just say you already said it…

Another thing – why is that everytime ANYONE that is a surrogate of Obama (Wesley Clark for example) says ANYTHING – it is DIRECTLY realated to Obama, but not the same when it someone in McCain's camp?

Mitt Romney's statement about global warming and disarming nukes as a LIBERAL issue – should be noticed as well if he is in the running for VP!

And McCain's top advisor especially! give me a break!

And precisely what else does Obama do except whine? You know why CNN always harps about McCain's economic plan but not Obama's? Because Obama doesn't have a plan! He just whines!

It would be nice it the media would stay on these outrageous comments made by McCain and the rest of his cohorts. Obama's remarks are clearly taken out of context and repeated ad nauseum but when these Republican hacks speak about how they really feel, the stories get buried. I wish CNN and the rest of these corporate cesspools would get back to reporting the news and quit worrying about their rich COE's and shareholders. We deserve truth, not partisan propaganda.

Well Gramm let me tell you my account with this mental recession. I know things go up and sometimes never come down. The court has given me the normal visitaion rights to my son which are every other weekend and some holidays. I have struggled every other weekend to meet his mother half way for me to pick him, what used to cast me $60 to $70 to fill my tank now cost me $102 to fill up and thats twice a month I dont think thats mental every time I have to fill up. So do you think you mental capacity has dropped for you to think this way

We are a bunch of cry babies

Waaa I don't have enough money to put gas in my 40K SUV Waaa
I can't afford the mortgage in my 500K house Waaa

Sorry it the truth hurts

It's time for a change from this old thinking. Blaming the media and the public is disgusting. I wish the economic problems were just in my head but my bank account says otherwise. Mr. McCain already admits that the economy is not his strength – well neither is picking his advisors. When did Republicans dump the American people for money and power? This party is not only not the one Lincoln belonged to – one has to wonder if Reagan would recognize it. Let's get some leadership back in the White House and start making this country work for everyone.

We are mad as hell and we aren't going to take it anymore!

Omama '08

What a crazy world we live in-

A bunch of millionaires calling working people elitists and whiners

And Mister War Hero Tough Guy MCCain whined about General Clark, and now he's whining about whiners

John? You need to "cut the guy loose"

Over 400,000 jobs lost since January, the world hates us, gas is at 4.10 and rising, over 4,200 soldiers dead in a senseless war, food is too expensive, over 1.5 million homes in foreclosure, our country is bankrupt yet we are still funding a billion dollar a month war. Your right mr. gramm, why should Americans whine????????????????????

You know what is worse? We are in this "mental recession" and we do not even have Universal Healthcare to cure the illness. Let's face it this universal mental state we are in needs and equal potion of UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE.

The Republicans are for universal health care, aren't they? My bad…they are not. Oh well! We are on our own just as we were for the past 7 years.

YES WE DO!

Somone should tell that to the Republicans.

Like McCain, Graham is a loud-mouthed old man with old ideas. Both should retire and get the hell out of public life. That goes for most Republicans.

Theis is not McCain's family, this is not McCain's pastor, this man is apart of McCain's policy team…Americans should be wondering what does McCain really stand for, and how does he plan to save our economy in the future of Iran, China, and India gaining power in the west.

Brenda – People are doing their jobs. They are just not being paid a living wage for them. By the way, you and Phil are both whining about people who whine. Irony?

And do we ever have a bunch of crooks,liars,thiefs you name it on and on in the Big White House .
Wake up America what in —-do you see in these crooks letting them tear the country apart has been going on for almost 8 years this round not counting the previous Bush years and you keep voting for this ?
Russ,Hannity ,Beck ,Rove just to name a few of these crooks go under the bus or better yet in the Grabage truck to join Bush /Cheney that are in the the Grabage can .
The Garbage pick-up service is on its way

if Obama had said it, most of you would pump your fist and say, "he's just keepin' it real!"

What you need is to retire, shut up and disappear there Phil. Your rhetoric, your politics and your presence in general are all worn out and should be disposed of like harvest gold or avacado colored appliances..

The comments were clear the first time. Will the media hold this spin from McCain's top economic advisor to the same level of accountability as they do for the other campaign? If past allowances are any indication, I won't hold my breath unfortunately.

Is the reason why comments like this from the Republican camp aren't branded elitist because they are said in a plain sometimes southern accent? Mental recession? Oh, so job loss and decrease in wages is just a figment of our imagination. Working folks everywhere need to pay attention here. THIS bootstraps, we're all okay stance is the Republican philosophy. A philosophy that measures progress not by families or the least of us but by corporations and the richest of us. These are the people that don't care if America becomes the next Mexico. They have millionaires there too ya know.

Isn't this guy Gramm and his wife responsible for the ENRON LOOPHOLE – the regulation that got us our current gas price crisis?????!!!!

I would venture to guess that most folks posting on this thread have no clue that this guy was the Gramm (not Graham) of the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act.

Dr. Phil is right. Whining about silly stuff like losing your job, your home, your son (in an unjust war), gas prices, inflation, and other problems makes no sense.

Instead, vote for the GOP and let them promise you NOTHING for the sake of reducing government and lowering taxes on the rich. That's your best bet.

McYoda 08!

This is the same Phil Gramm who thinks the only reason Americans don't have health insurance is because they are "deadbeats." At least, that's how he was quoted on the front page of the Houston Chronicle a few years ago. He still doesn't have a clue.

I would love to see one of these guys live on 50k a year with a mortgage and a car payment and insurance and commute 50 miles a day and electric bill and heating bills. They wouldn't survive a week.

We all need to call the Broadcasting stations and protest that the American people need to know what Mccain top economy advisior said that we the American people is "A Nation Of Whiners" and high gas prices and high food prices are in our minds We the American people are not stupid!!!! tell that to the hurting families that can'nt feed thier kids!!! This is a SLAM on the American people who are trying to keep in thier homes and keep food on thier tables because ot the bad Bush Administration. We and millions are going to put a stop to this!!!

I would venture to guess that most folks posting on this thread have no clue that this guy was the Gramm (not Graham) of the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act.

**anytime anyone says something, said Gramm, it can be “taken out of context.”**

You mean like the GOP does to everything Obama says? Like that you mean??? I see…..

Phil Gramm is a liar, just like his pals McCain, Gulianni and the one from Connecticut who looks like the joker in the batman movies!

This should be front page at the worst!!! The fact that it's not is troubling to be polite!

I bet Senator Gramm doesn't even have to pump his own gas. He tosses the keys to an office boy who brings them to a lot porter who fills his big SUV with taxpayer dollars. It's called trickle down economics you dummies!

Good for you! Stop whining! Start solving your own problems!

What we need is more leadership … I'll agree with that.

Obama 08.

Gramm may be correct that we need more leadership. It is nice to know that the Republicans see that now. It is too bad that they didn't see that earlier. This administration failed to lead in most ways I can think of. I think that the led in being one of the most secretive administrations in US history! How did we fail? We let a man claim to be a uniter fail to do that and function as a tyrant and dictator.

Two grumpy old men. Do us a favor a both of you retire.

please lou dobbs ,can you report that on your show, about graham being out of touch with the american people.stop attacking barak mr.dobbs.

The most trusted name in news! You baffle me! I trusted you! Can you imagine your cover story is about McSame battling for blue-collar votes with Obama when he's so out of touch with the americans that his top economic adviser said we are whiners! Why are you becoming so BIASED? Why oh Why?! If it was Obama that his adviser did the same thing, the whole world will hear about it! This is a very grave cover story issue and yet the same elitist McShame is battling for blue-collar votes?! Well, I dont blame you. Americans really are very stupid and the street-smart Bushes and MsSames and Dr. Phils will continue to take them for a ride. How can any reasonable american in their right senses vote for this haggard old elitist McSame? Dr Phil is right and he maintains that point: americans are in a mental recession for them to be voting for McShame! Definitely! But not this american – ME.

So, if we all just hold hands and imagine happy things the economy will get better?

My God he sounds like a Democrat! C'mon Republicans back the Candidate who at least acknowledges our economic issues.

Obama '08

Ooops Freudian slip time again. The truth will out. Not only does McBush not understand the economy. He does not care. He and his multi Millionaire Buddies think that people who cannot afford gas to drive to work, Are Whinners! Can't wait for Cindy to be overheard laughing and saying 'let them eat cake'.

phil gramm – "anytime anyone says something, said Gramm, it can be “taken out of context"

Except, of course, when Obama,or his wife, say it then it's taken at absolute face value. I wonder if ths will make the Fox News headlines today…..?

Typical Republican. Once again they are out of touch with average Americans. If things weren't going well for EXXON, you'd BET Phil Gramm would be johnny-on-the-spot to throw them more tax breaks or free public lands to drill for profit.

Gramm says something like this but i keep hearing about Jackson? interesting…this is the man (Gramm) running the McCain campaign if that's what i call fear tactics.
CNN where is my other post?

I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, he believes the comments were taken out of context…

Unfortunately, what he was thinking wasn't being articulated and people aren't telepathic. Therefore, people had no way of putting what he was thinking into any context beyond what he actually stated.

So, is that really being taken out of context? Only in his own mind…

Yes, I agree more leadership. That's why I'm voting for Barack Obama.

I'll stop whining when George Bush is OUT of my White House.

Obama 08

DM, Let talk about the truth!! July 10th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Wow, so what actually happening to the Auto Worker, Airline Pilot, School Teacher my god!! loosing jobs is all mental!!!!

Oh my God!!! Help us John McCain and Phil Gramm When you have so much money and a private jet I guess the cost of fuel really don't bother them….

———————————–
And that proves nothing. Yes people lost jobs people always do. OPena book and read what recession means.

Gramm has had his snout in the public trough all of his life. He's a hypocrite of the worst kind.

For all you hard-working Americans who can't seem to vote for Obama because you think he is an elitist, you folks need to reconsider your position. If Gramm's comments aren't proof of what he and McCain really think of your problems, then your heads are permanently stuck in the sand.

Gramm has supported the programs and policies that are cause of you losing your homes, jobs, pensions and way of life. You think you're suffering now, put these chicken-neck old men in the White House and you won't have a pot to piss in or a back door to throw it out of.

There sure is a lot of whining on this board.

The McCain campaign tried so hard to link Wesley Clark's comments to Obama using the "surrogate" reasoning, meanwhile Gramm is a legitimate member of McCain's team and is using the claim that he was just speaking for himself when making his now infamous "whining" remarks. Hypocrisy is always apropos in Washington.

David from Ohio July 10th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

I'm sure it's not a "mental" recession to someone who's lost their job or their house. Just another example of why you can't trust the Republicans and why they need to go back to what they're good at–minority party status.

—————————–
Because it's not a true recession, we only think it is…that's why it's a mental recession

CNN is too busy talking about Jessee Jackson wanting to cut Barack's "body parts" off , so there's no time to report such financial expertise as this on TV.

When will they get some journalists and get rid of the talking heads that do re-runs 24/7 ?

Well his comment was correct. We are not in a true recession, Calling it a mental recession is the more correct term. For those of you who think we are in a true recession, you do not understand the full meaning of the word. However the media has been doing nothing but telling us we're in a recession for so long that everyone thinks we are..that's what makes it a mental recession.

As for the 'whiners ' part…I think he is right on both counts. We are a nation of whiners both a the top and the buttom. Our leaders do nothing but whine, what have they done to fix it? Also we do nothing but Whine. What have we done to fix it. We are the people, it's our job to ensure we select the correct people to get the job done. A few years ago we made the wrong decision and elected too many deme to office. They done NOTHING to stop us from reaching a recession…we are getting close and still they do nothing but Whine. It's time to kick them all out and start over. You want change…well change it all.

This man is like a bad penny, he turns up when you least want or need him!

Obama says Americans are making $1000 per year less now than they did before Bush took office?

Wow. $2.74 per day less!

This must be re-defined as a depression not a recession!

Perhaps all you whiners should skip that Starbucks or that pack of cigs and you'd have that money back.

Pitiful whiners.

Where are the MCSame backers on this blog today? Its just Jan Boc and we all know who he is. McSame backers, I really want to know what you have to say about this???

How does John McCain surround himself with people that share nothing common with his views? Remember when his friend said that another attack on America would be good for McCain …. The response was that this is not the McCain view, now this & again not the McCain view.

Well who in the campaign shares the same views as John McCain when his entire advisers do not have a single thing to say that he supports?

Setting a trend there McSame

Gramm and McCain need to take a course in Economic's 101.

how about that the old man has an even older adviser–thats out of touch with reality..Take away his pension and fire him.you'll see he changes his tune very fast..time for this geezer to retire–FAST

Hmm, I wonder how McCain's temper is going to take this blow to his campaign. Let's see those words fly John.

Out of context?

At first I was outraged that the chief economic adviser to John McCain could be this profoundly out of touch with ordinary Americans.

Then I decided it was all in my head.

Where are the elitist GOP backers on this blog today? Why are you all so cowardly like the stupid leaders you support? Its just Jan from Boca on here. Pls, dont dissapoint me McSame backers. I really want to know what you have to say to this???

For all their experience, they lack the most basic qualification to lead during a crisis…. Understanding! These guys should be selling motorized wheelchairs at the scooter store, not playing games with the the future and fortune of our children.

Another rich elitist GOP hack who lives the cushy life thanks to we "whiners." These people are so out of touch it is scary.

"we are in a mental recession."

You might be but, I'm not. That is why I am NOT going to vote Republican this time around. However, I am a very bitter person.

Bob Stephens…….. Phil Gramm is McSames chief economic adviser and the one that pushed the Enron loophole though congress. He is a big reason why you are paying over $4 a gallon. What a jerk……..
THANK YOU !!!!
Gramm told CNN he did not mean to suggest Americans are 'whiners.
YEA Righ!!……You and McSame go to the POND and pitch pennies

this just proves what McCain has said earlier that HE DOES NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT THE ECONOMY…..well i guess paying $4.67 per gallon compared to $1.50 in 2001 is whinning for him…..paying $16 for a sack of flour instead of $6 last year is just a whinner for his advisor…….paying $20 instead of $9 last year just a whinner issue…

All you people who lost your homes due to forclosure, stop whining.
All you people who lost your jobs due to outsourcing, stop whining.
All you people who have to decide whether to feed your family or fill up the gas tank, stop whining.

To the poster above yes stop whining! People lost there homes because THEY bought houses they can not afford…

They lost jobs because we cost the most to hire in the world, and people buy items from overseas not only made in the USA..

America has been driving HUGE cars for years and have had really cheap gas…

SO YES STOP WHINING and do something about it, if you think Obama is going to fix any of this vote for him… If you think McCain can fix this vote for him its quite simple…

Nader 08′

Right on, Graham. I see the light now.

My candidate Hillary told me we are hurting ecomonically. But now that she lost, I am on your bandwagon now because I am no longer listening to what she wants me to do. I am ready and willing to sell-out my principles because its more important for people to pay attention to me.

To: Scotty July 10th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

What the heck does your comment about Obama have to do with this topic? It never fails that with each blog topic idiots somehow go out of their way to take a cheap shot at Obama. How about speaking to the topic at hand? Or does that pea size brain of yours allow you to involve yourself in rational critical thought? Save the Obama bashing for a topic that is at least somewhat related to Obama.

Obama '08

To Obama-Junkie…

Nice name, I'm sure you are probably a real junkie! You can't afford gas, sell you prius and take a bus with the rest of the Chicago trash.

must be nice to have money like the do nothing congress and MCSame who dont have to worry about paying a morgage
unfortuantely the average american would like the american dream dream too you two old fogies
Especially MCSame who is bordering on dementia
Come down to earth where the real people live and struggle you morons!!!!!

Yeah! No greater whiner and dumb-tail than Gramm's precious George W. Bush!!!! He needs his "nu-nu"!!

Pain at the pump? Stop your whining and pay up! How else are Gramm's energy speculators going to create some 'real weath' in the economy?

He's absolutely correct, this is also enhanced by the leftist media (CNN, NBC, etc.). Public perception goes a long way. Whine, whine, whine = more socialist agenda handouts to deadbeats who cannot compete in today's market. You lost your home, tough stuff. You probably couldn't afford it in the first place. News flash for all you progressive fools, we are not all equal in socio-economic terms, and never will be. We are all born equal, then it's up to you!

Based on the replies, this country is in a mental recession! Truth is, with all our problems we are STILL luckier than most of the world, yet we still complain! Go out into the big wide world, see how they live and then come back and tell me how bad it is here. Also, how come illegals who can't speak english can come up here find work and supprt their family? Answer: they'll sacrfice, not whine and they don't need high paying jobs because they don't try to live beyond their means which is what most of you do, which is why one hiccup in the economy hurts you sooo much!

Phil Gramm: Another good reason why to not vote for John McCain!

Barr / Root '08

Didn't John McCain just recently say Obama should get rid of General Clark whose not even an official campaignee? And now Gramm, the paid official economic advisor for McCON, is speaking for himself according to McCain. So is Gramm fired like you said Clark should be or are you a hypocrite McCON?

CNN! You baffle me! I trusted you! Can you imagine your cover story is about McSame battling for blue-collar votes with Obama when he's so out of touch with the americans that his top economic adviser said we are whiners! Why are you becoming so BIASED? Why oh Why?! If it was Obama that his adviser did the same thing, the whole world will hear about it! This is a very grave cover story issue and yet the same elitist McShame is battling for blue-collar votes?! Well, I dont blame you CNN. Americans really are very stupid and the street-smart Bushes and MsSames and Dr. Phils will continue to take them for a ride. How can any reasonable american in their right senses vote for this haggard old elitist McSame? Dr Phil is right and he maintains that point: americans are in a mental recession for them to be voting for McShame! Definitely! But not this american – ME.

You liberals are a bunch of whiners! You expect somebody (the federal government / the tax payer) to hold your hands from craddle to grave. I love $4 gallon gas. I love it so much! One of my retirement portfolios is invested heavily in oil stocks and petro related industries. If you are a liberal democrat and are suffering from $4 gas then you deserve it. I have no sympathy for you. This is what you wanted. You wanted no domestic drilling. You wanted high gas prices so the evil Americans in their evil SUVs would suffer. The great thing is, if there is a new trend in Americans buying smaller cars in order to get better gas milage, then that means demand will go down. When demand goes down then the price of gas will go down. And that means I can STILL drive my evil SUV and buy cheap gas.

This is the same Phil Gramm that pushed hard for the Enron Loophole as he was being paid by Enron lobbysists and his wife was on the board of Enron and made almost $1million dollars for a part time job. McCain put him in as his top economic advisor and now McCON wants to claim Gramm speaks only for himself. So what is the definition of advisor? Gramm is your advisor McCON, he gives you advise. Are you paying him just to talk to himself or this another one of those senile moments?

love the link to mccain veterens voting that man ought to be ashamed of himself pow prior military he dont even support them or want to help them what makes you think he wants to help us i swear mccain is THE DEVIL!!!!!!

When was the last time you paid your medical bills out of your own pocket senator Gramm? YOU have secure pension and benefits for life and you dare to call us people who are losing jobs, pensions and benefits whiners?!!! You are a true elitist arrogant politician and your brain is in recession, no wait depression is the better word.

Let me get this straight; Obama’s “bitter” comment gets blown up in the news 24/7, every conservative is outraged & he’s labeled an elitist & publicly apologized. Dick Cheney jokes about inbreeding in WV-no outrage from the conservatives or public apology from Cheney. This republican Gramm calls people who have lost their jobs & homes whiners—no outrage from the conservatives. I’m waiting for Glen Beck, Hannity, & O’Reilly to cover his elitist comments daily just like I did with the inbreeding comments made by Cheney; the results will be the same I’m sure and they will barely mention it.

Mccain's top ecomomy Adiviors SLAM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE while the american people are going through a tough time because of the way the Bush administration lead this country. and for John Mccain's adviser to say that we the american people are "A Nation Of Whiners" is shameful and this tell us how and what John Mccain thinks about the American people. SLAM ON THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

Jan From Boca Raton, Fl

You need some help. This article has nothing to do with Obama, but she still find it necessary to bash him. Grow up and talk about real issues, like this article and about the economy.

The race is over!

Let's vote the Republicans out today!

The equation is:

Phil Gramm+McCain+Bush= STUPID

I'M NOT A WHINER I'M BITTER ! ! !

So much for blue collar workers voting McCain. Calling them whiners is worse than Obama calling them bitter.

Gramm ia a complete loon, but I don't think he was talking about the American people…………..but then again, I don't see our leaders(Bush Admin) whinning about the mess they helped this country get into.

When things go wrong because of the Rep incompetency, they'll always blame us the people. Very sad!!

Sounds like Phil is whining a bit himself: "whaaaa!…. the big bad media is too negative and has brain washed people into thinking that they are paying $4 a gallon for gasoline, and that the equity markets are slumping badly, and that the dollar is in the trash, and that home prices are way down, and that the foreclosure rate is way up….. Bad, bad media for reporting such negative stories without basis."

Thank you Phil. When I go to the gas station today and hand over $4 per gallon I'll remember that I'm really paying say $2 a gallon. And when I look at my 401K statement, I'll ignore the false bottom line and tell my wife that we really have 30% more in there. And I'll start whining like you: "if only the media would sign up to my fairytale view of the world, life would be grand".

And by the way Phil, and all you neo-nuggets that drink his kool-aid, when I go to the polls in Nov., I'll continue to live in your fantasy world of up is down, stupid is smart, bad is good, high prices are low prices….and when I vote for OBAMA, I'll just tell myself I really voted for MCCAIN.

Love how 99% of these comments are all one-sided, clearly very "balanced" people. Obama and the Democrats have been screaming the economy is tanking all year! The Congressional "Do Nothing about Anything" Democrats chirp constantly that everything is Bush's fault (so why is their approval rating at 9%?). Get over it people! The credit crisis was caused by banks lending to people they had no business lending to and the gas "crisis" is caused by 20+ years of the environmental lobbies blocking every kind of affordable solutions to our energy usage. If the Republican Congress had been true to their principles and effective legislators we wouldn't be in this mess of having complete incompetents running the government! The American people got fed up and threw the baby out with the dirty bath water and now all we have left are the bath toys! We need real leaders not mealy-mouthed whiners!

Who is the ELITIST now? On several occasions, McCain and his surrogates have called Obama an eliitist. (I never could understand how Obama of all people could be branded an elitist). Yet when Senator McCain's economic advisor calls Americans a Nation of Whiners, who is the real elitist? McCain and his Real Deal thugs have no idea the many millions of Americans who sit at the kitchen table every night trying to prioritize gas, food, mortgage payment, etc. How out of touch are they? As the old adage says, " just because your stomach is full, doesn't mean everybody else's stomach is full." I am not surprised that Grahamm stated this. My surprise and unbelief would be how could Americans still consider McCain for president. What would McCain have to do to reveal the true McCain, sell his soul to the devil?

Americans are a bunch of wimps and cry babies. Willing to jump on any bandwagon even though it may take them to the ends of Hell.

How can you idiots support this neophyte politician from Chicago.
Has no proven track record. The connections are questionable to say the least and his loyalty to America is also in doubt.

If Obama wins he will destroy the America of my father's. Already we are almost a Socialists country and do not value individual rights.
this trend will accelerate if Obama becomes President.

American Patriotsllllll STOP THE OBAMA TRAIN.

When Michelle Obama had a slip of the tongue and said something about being proud of America, the media and the right wing hate mongers pounced on her and are still talking about that comment to this day. John McCain had said that he never loved America until he became a POW. Neither the so called "mainstream" media nor the right wing nut jobs are saying anything about it. McCain had earlier said that we just have to feel good about the economy and things will be fine. Today comes Phil Gramm, McCain's senior adviser. Yes, we Americans are just whining and the economic woes are just a symptom of our mental instability. I don't think anyone else would get away with such a comment except for the rich and powerful of the republican party who have a stranglehold on the media and the corporations that fund it. When I pay $4.50 for a gallon of gas, the pain is real, not just imagined or mental. The republican party continuously shows disdain and disrespect for the American people, and get their media buddies to convince these same .Americans that the republicans stand for their values and are more patriotic. Somehow, the electorate buys this crap over and over again. This is truly sad.

In his original quote he said "nation of whiners" nation… that is synonymous for "leaders" right? Oh! And all of you on the ticker with "Obama said this, Obama said that" This article says nothing about Obama… so what are you talking about?! We're talking about a man who is the top economic adviser for possibly the next President saying WE ARE IN A MENTAL RECESSION". Then has the gonads to sit there and tell us what he said was misinterpreted? What the hell? I feel like I'm living in a bad zombie movie with these people! Get a grip.

PUMA/Hillary or McCain people, we're not going to be held hostage by you. Either move on or move out of our way

Common Sense 08.

Gramm and his sidekick Kay Bailey were/are out of touch with us Texans too. Amazing we little people always don't understand what these slime politicians are saying…..

This guy is as out of touch with reality as McCain is. Good grief…we need younger more intelligence in Washington FOR SURE!

And if McCain even THINKS of getting rid of social security…he's OUT!

I can't believe people would even THINK of voting for any Republican again!!!!

I paid in plenty of money to Social Security. If they'd quit "borrowing" from the fund, there would actually be a SURPLUS in Social Security. So take McCain's Social Security money away from he…he can survive on Cindy's money.

Unbelievable. What's even worse is that I had to search for this story after reading it elsewhere. If one of Obama's advisors had said this, it would be all over every newspaper and media outlet in the entire country.

But because one of McCain's lackeys uttered such BS, it will get little attention.

Tell you what, if this country votes for four more years of the same, I swear I'm moving to CANADA!!!

More leadership, less whining – Amen to that. Finally someone with the ________ to say it! Get the Do Nothing Congress to start making things happen. Everyone is all to happy to sit around and point fingers meanwhile citizens are falling under.

The whining comments prove this point. America is full of whiners and people who refusse to take responsibility and blame others. This includes politicians. It will be our downfall.

The truth hurts. This contrived recession by the liberal media will not succeed. We the business people and loyal Americans know better.
This is not news to me and my business partners. Business is good, but the media wants it otherwise.

The nation is just whining? OK, now you've really gone and stepped in it! Maybe Cindy can help the good citizens out here with cash, meds—or maybe government cheese! We need something to go with this wine! You Republican creeps!

REMEMBER ALL YOU WHINERS AT THE VOTING BOOTH…..T-H-I-S-and I repeat…..T-h-i-s is the same guy that McCain stated that he would rely on for economic advise since he (McCain) said he doesn't know very much about the economy.

Right on point hojo………………

Sure, it's all in my head that I'm paying $4 per gallon for gas. I'm just imagining that my grocery bill has gone up about 50%.

Now, remember voters. The republicans have absolutely no sympathy for the American people. Everything's our fault, OK? Corporate greed and $50 billion per month in Iraq have nothing to do with it, OK? Maybe McCain's economic strategy will be to provide psychiatric help to all Americans, because it's all in our heads, right?

WOW! I am surprised that Americans cannot see through McCain and his cronies, they do not care about the cost of milk, the price of gas, the elderly, the poor, the needy in general, they only care about padding their bank accounts. STOP being so stupid America, if we allow McCain to win this election, Americans will be doomed. WAKE UP!

Phil Gramm said Americans facing tough economic are ‘whiners,’” lt doesn't mention leaders if these are his words they are clearly saying Americans are whiners. too late old man its out already.

"Mental recession", now that's an understatement, if I ever heard one. This whole "political process"; from both sides, has been a "mental recession", from where I'm sitting. Some of the "comments" that are posted on here are on the verge of total mental recession. And all of the "Media reporting", is a "soap-opera side-show", mental recession sound-bite. Now, that's my take; on all this non-sense, we call politics.

Did his "correction" slam the GOP, who have held the White House since 2001?

"— anytime anyone says something, said Gramm, it can be “taken out of context”."

If only we could all remember that….

Yeah, tell working families that can barely afford food, gas, mortgages etc. to "stop whining". That's the way to win an election.

Obama 08

Gramm's retraction sounds promising, it's too bad he didn't say it before the gaffe…

we DO need leadership, along with a spirit to lift the nation out of dreary discontent and into rigorous domestic energy, ambitious trade, and strong security.

McCain 08

Right so next time I fill up the gas tank I will mentally make it $1.99 or next time a factory worker loses a job they will mentally create another one right down the street….What an idiot

Millionaires telling americans to stop crying never goes over well especially these days.

I think all Politicians (even Obama) are a bit out of touch with reality.

CNN is too busy talking about Jessee Jackson wanting to cut Barack's "body parts" off – there's no time to report such nonsense as this on TV.

When will they get some journalists and get rid of the talking heads that do re-runs 24/7 ?

Well, the "psychological" comment came out of McCain's mouth. Wonder where he got it from?

Right, Right, we're not in a recession, there's nothing to see behind the curtain here! I mean the fact that we're losing tens of thousands of jobs a month, the cost of living has gone up dramatically, the dollar has fallen in value, foreclosures will be in the millions by the end of the year… its all in our heads. Just because we don't have a technical "recession" going on, it doesn't mean that there isn't a problem! Every time I think about that man getting into office part of me feels ill. But why is it when McCain says that "he doesn't represent me or the campaign" we take his word but when Clark said it the McCain camp said "its a pattern"? So when Lieberman and Black said things about terrorist attacks, and your top economic adviser says that we are not in a real recession… its just a coincidence, right? BTW I hope you "PUMA/Hillary or McCain" people are paying attention because THESE are the people you're putting in office, the ones that call you whiners, and tell you that your economic problems are a mental issue. Good luck with that.

Common Sense Will Win in 2008.

Gee Jan, I'm sure many of the residents of Boca Raton are doing just fine. The rest of us living in the real world, however, are struggling with deflated value of the dollar, the rocketing energy costs, and implications from the mortgage crisis.

You just continue to sit in your little bubble, sippin on your martini, with a fat smile on your face. The rest of will change this country for the better.

It is time for a revolution.

Obama '08

This is worse than Obama's "bitter" comment (which I agree with)

What he meant was Democrats are whiners …

Vote for McBush American friends…. esp the religious vote bank. Yes you..those who's vision is narrowed and vote Republican blindly.

lol.. I think McCain's campaign things we're living inside the Matrix.
Gramm is like Agent Smith, and McCain is the architect.

Which makes Obama, Neo. I wounder who Morpheus is ? Axelrod ?

Seriously.. what a moron !!

This is worse than Obama's "bitter" comment (which I agree with)

- Mortgage crises – people losing their homes daily
- gas/food prices
- predatory lending
- can't qualify let alone afford healthcare
- jobs being shipped overseas
- trickle down "economics" – yet the rich put their $ in offshore accounts
- removal of VA hospital benefits
- social security and unbalanced buget (borrow from China??)

A nation of whiners? How can he say that about this country? This angst by the people is a product of Gramm's parties failed policies of the last seven and a half years. This anger by the people is a product of ruling by 51% rather than building a democratic consensus.

Just more proof we need leaders who are worthy of the American people's greatness.

John Mccain can'nt relate to the American people and what we are going through with high gas prices and losing our homes and high food prices becasue his wife is a multimillionaire John Mccain is a Multimillionaire and if Mccain is elected President you think we have a mess with this country economy now. We the country will be sorry just like we are sorry that Bush was elected as President.

Gramm and Fiorina have managed to turn off both women voters and blue collar workers in one day. What an accomplishment!!

I am so proud that they can run an article about John McCain and not mention something that has to do with age.

I switched from FoxNews to CNN during the primary season because CNN provided better coverage, but if they keep up this thing about McCain's age, then I guess I will need to switch back. Be even-handed in your coverage… if you talk about McCain's age, talk about Obama's lack of experience.

Mental reccession, when gas prices are increasing astromonically? We are really headed there if we aren't already in the middle of it. Let's get real on this one.

McCain's campaign needs a serious readjustment. Again, people from his camp are off message from the candidate. If I were McCain, I would fire Phil Gramm and Carly Fiorina. Two statements that contradict what John McCain says he actually believes in one day are too much. These are not remarks 'taken out of context' or remarks that hurt someone's feelings, they are much more serious as a display of disorganization/lack of communication of the campaign in general. However, as an Obama supporter, I am perfectly fine if McCain makes the decision to keep them as part of his team.

So is he calling the bitter people WHINERS?

NO YOU MORON–WE ARE IN AN ACTUAL RECESSION. Record gas prices, freefall in real estate, rising costs, plunging stock market, increasing unemployment. With idiotic leaders like you, no wonder our country is in its current state.

Tim did you you really read the article and that what was you got out of it? Another reason to dislike many Obama supporters they fall into that catagory of reading retention problems our schools have been facing. These are the people who read little red riding hood and think the wolf was the victim. you have it all backwards just like your blind following of Obama.

Typical Republican clap-trap. Get a clue, dude!

Cnn is bias they post comments that are bias against mr Obama as well as there cable new any thing Mcshame say wrong or his people they don't call it on him but if somone on Obama squad mispeak or say anything it all on the news

Graham is know for making ignorant remarks. Why would we expect anything different? Graham was one fo the most hateful, bigoted lawmakers on capitol hill, along with Helms and Thurmond.

He called people whiners…………..get over it……………..while on the other side, Jesse Jackon wants to cut Obama's nuts off. Hmmmm………and the whiners are all over Gramm. Go figure. If the shoe fits……….

I don't often agree with Gramm, but he's on the right track with this one. With one exception, Ron Paul, none of this year's batch of presidential candidates want what's best for the country as a whole. The neo-cons, including McCain, seem to want to force us all back to 1956-style manners, morals, and religion, and the Democrats seem to want to force us all into an unrealistic, idealistic, FDR-style socialism. Neither outlook is any kind of leadership, and neither deals with the country as it exists today–the neo-con outlook is an Ozzie and Harriet fiction of an era that exist only in peoples' imaginations and the Democrat outlook presupposes that we can afford all their do-gooding.

I want solutions, not day-dreams, and no one aside from Ron Paul is offering solutions. Unfortunately, most of the country is content with either the neo-con or Democrat day-dreams and isn't interested in solutions that might, on the one hand, deprive them of their chest-thumping, America uber alles, testosterone high or, on the other hand, all those nice "free" things the government gives away at someone else's expense.

Unfortunately, all day-dreams eventually come to an end.

A nation of whiners doesn't sound like he was just talking about the leaders. Just as McCain called Obama to drop Clark, McCain should immediately drop him. This comment just shows how they (the majority of the Rep) really feel and really think. Which is the exact reason why America is where we are right now…in the hole!

But wait……..this is all in my mind.

CNN the John McCain Network!! You spend 5 days talking about General Clarks comments that only stated a truth, and you then give Gramm's explanation more coverage then his original statement. At least try not to be bias during this election. We all know CNN is big business and big business perfers the policies of John McSame.

if this was from obamas camp it will be breaking news,the media bias is palpable

Watch McCain drop Gramm like American jobs under NAFTA

When I paid $4.68 a gallon at the pump today, I tried to remind myself it was all in my mind. Then I went to the grocery store and saw the increased prices there, along my decreased bank balance after buying gas. Just in my mind, I remembered. When my hours got cut and my health insurance premium went up, I told myself it was all in my mind. I got my utility bill, another increase, and my auto insurance went up again. But it's all in my mind, I'm sure, because a Republican told me so. So much for the party of fiscal sense. What a sham.

We understood you the first time–back peddling is not necessary.

One thing is clear however–rhetoric attempting to describe our malaise as lack of hope or mental anguish beyond the reality on the ground–won't work.

We do need our leaders to have common sense, deal with the real problems we face with realistic plans (not bigger, better, and untested programs w/ big tickets).
We do set the expectation and demand….you respect the personal sacrifice we make contributing the trillions of tax dollars that are expended by our political leaders with reckless disrgard for our efforts.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! That is his economic advisor.

John McCain will be the third term of Bush and first term of Cheney.

Gramm is an idiot.

Please Mr. Gramm, can I have some more? I'm not quite full of your BS yet.

These two clowns are so out of touch with America.

I thought the Bush tax cuts were supposed to benefit the economy. When is that supposed to happen?

I'm sure it's not a "mental" recession to someone who's lost their job or their house. Just another example of why you can't trust the Republicans and why they need to go back to what they're good at–minority party status.

Phil Gramm, UBS and ENRON?

Let's see…McSame himself has a horrible track record when it comes to women's issues in this country and now we have his own economic advisor saying we're a bunch of whiners because of an effed up economy that Bush is mainly responsible for. This on top of the fact that McSame in his own words said the economic crisis we're in is "psychological". ARE YOU KIDDING ME!! For all you Hillary turned McSame supporters and PUMA's out there if this all doesn't add up to a serious wake-up call I don't know what will.

Obama '08

Gramm himself is a source of the problem. Gramm is largely responsible for the financial crisis. Of course he wants to divert the attention and the blame.

CNN, where's the inclusion about Gramm's involvement in the housing and banking mess? And what about his wife's?

How come McCain keeps Gramm around? Oh, that's right, McCain's a war hero (genuinely) so his judgement is untouchable (wrongfully).

Nice try Phil, but you and McSame can't spin this one.

Nice try but we all know what you really meant.

Go away and take McBush with you.

I did not misinterpet what he said and if it is just part of the game why did Senator McCain move so quickly to say that Gramm does not speak for him? He has been speaking for him for months.

Ah, CNN really knows how to bury a story….. don't they?

This guy looks the American people right in the face and calls them a bunch of whiners and STILL groups like PUMA are willing to vote for McCain!

Why is this not a front page story?? When the economy is the number one issue in this election and the Republican nominee says our economic problems are "psychological" and his economic adviser calls us a "nation of whiners", the story needs to be told to the American people. Let them digest it however they will, but at least let them read it!

Vote Mccain this country will be in deep, deep trouble Mccain's own Economy advisior said that we the American people are whinners and that this recession and high gas prices and people losing thier homes are mental all in are minds!!! NO to Mccain NO NO!!!!

we could use less of your leadership.we're "whining" because you have destroyed our economy and our children are hungry.sorry.

I don't think talk like this is going to get McCain a lot of votes. McCain needs more younger ungrumpier people on his team if he wants to win.

Perhaps in the academic sense of the word we are not in a "recession" but Americans paying the bills and trying to balance their household budget know the economy is in the dumper. They also know it's getting worse every day. We need leadership, not goofy politicians and their advisors playing word games with the media and calling anyone "whiners". This sort of rhetoric is offensive.

McCain and his side kick Gramm need to understand a basic concept: long after we forget what they said we will always remember how they made us feel.

Another thing – why is that everytime ANYONE that is a surrogate of Obama (Wesley Clark for example) says ANYTHING – it is DIRECTLY realated to Obama, but not the same when it someone in McCain's camp?

Mitt Romney's statement about global warming and disarming nukes as a LIBERAL issue – should be noticed as well if he is in the running for VP!

And McCain's top advisor especially! geez

This man knows a thing or two about the economy. You are all hysterical. I was laughing reading all your other comments about this.

You must have been living somewhere else when we were in one of the biggest economic booms the world has seen in a long time, right after the 'downturn' when the dot.coms callapsed. the bubble burst and now we are in a downturn, but nobody wanted to hype up the fact that the economy has been GROWING, just at a much smaller rate. We are not in a recession. Unemployment is still low too.

Want lower gas prices then support drilling our own oil

yup, the baseball stadiums are full, people are buying iphones, everyone has a benz or bmw. but things are soooo bad. we are a bunch of whiners.

don't worry the messiah will fix the economy. i cannot wait to drive my benz around and fill up on $1.59 gas, thanks to his cheap talk.

good grief.

I can't belive this guy has the nerve to say something like this. Many people may NOT know the true definition of a recession is two quarters with negative growth. But that does not justify the pain Americans are feeling. Business are closing daily. ExpressJet is the latest Airline to shut down.

I agree under the truest definition, we're not in a recession, but in the "spirit" of the word, yes we are.

This guy must have a "mental" view of the average everyday working American and the pain we are feeling.

And this is what the Republicans have to offer?

talk about someone who doesn't know when they are in a hole to stop digging …

Phil only made it worse. was he and others republicans in leadership positions that would have allowed them to "present concrete programs" for energy as well as housing. It was stated that his own wife help create the loophole for Enron to steal from the American people. Gramm hands are just as bloody for helping us into this mortgage crisis.

But this idiot wants to blame the people that report the news for steady drum beat of bad news…. Here's a new flash, repugs, give them some good economic news to report.

SERIOUSLY, I AM SOOO TIRED OF OUR SENATORS AND CONGRESSMAN DOING NOTHING! THEY GET PAID WELL ENJOY LONG HOLIDAYS HAVE THE BEST OF HEALTH CARE, I WOULD STILL BE WAITING FOR A REFERAL IF I WERE TED KENNEDY WITH MY INSURANCE, I PROB WOULD HAVE DIED ALREADY. THEY NEED TO STOP THE WHINNING ALRIGHT. WE ARE SICK OF THEM. THEY SPEND THE MONEY WE WORK SO HARD TO MAKE. I AM NOT SAYING THEY DONT WORK HARD, BUT THE REWARDS ARE TOO PLENTIFUL FOR THEM FOR NO PRODUCTION. WE WOULD ALL BE FIRED WITH A PRODUCTION RECORD LIKE THEY HAVE. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE NEED TO GET MAD AND GET EVEN AT THE POLLS. VOTE ALL THESE DO NOTHING BEEN IN THE SENATE 50 YEARS DROOLING ALL OVER THEMSELVES PEOPLE OUT! AND IF NOT. PUT THEM ALL ON COMMISSION. YOU PRODUCE YOU GET PAID AND TAKE AWAY THEIR BENEFITS. GIVE THEM AN HMO AND LET THEM PAY OUT OF THEIR POCKETS FOR A CHANGE. I THINK EVERY ELECTED OFFICAL SHOULD HAVE TO LIVE ON 30K A YEAR NO PERKS. IF THEY CAN SURVIVE ON IT WITHOUT PUTTING IT ON THEIR CC I WILL SHUT UP FOREVER.

Phil Gramm is McSames chief economic adviser and the one that pushed the Enron loophole though congress. He is a big reason why you are paying over $4 a gallon. What a jerk……..

What a pomptous dumbA$$!

So the lady at the gasoline pump who complains about gas and groceries being so much more expensive is not "whining", but the political leader of that community or state in which she lives is "whining" about the economy?!?!

This latest economic statement blunder by McCain's top economic adviser just reinforces how out-of-touch McCain and his campaign are in relation to the average American.

Why would anyone listen to this guy? He is a crook and one of the authors of the Exxon and mortgage crises. How in the world can McCain still use this guy as an advisor? That clearly says alot about McCain! He is as crooked as any of them and only pretends to be a straight talker. Plus how could we stand to look at that creepy smile for 4 years? How could we expect the rest of the world to look at it?

I couldn't agree more.

Twelve years of Republican-controlled Congresses and seven-plus years of a Republican Presidency has put this country in a "mental reccession."

And what does the GOP offer the country to get us out of this funk? John McCain!?

Time for "something completely different" and the GOP ain't it.

No one is going to change their vote over any surrogate's remarks. We need to stick to discussing the differencess between the candidates. However, we know who Gramm is referring to when he says people are whinners. Certainly not the wealthy that McCain's economics caters to.

Yet these are many of the people that will vote for McCain anyway. Why don't people vote their economic interest?

Another old, rich and out of touch with America politician.

Hmmm yet another guy who looks alot like McCain telling us we are all nuts and they know better than the rest of us so just sit back shut up and give us all control……………………..Look at the pictures of the people talking like this and look for the common denominator. hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

First Black's gaffe on 'A terrorist attack will be good for McCain's campain' and now Gramm's 'Our country is in a mental recession'. Are these guys really this dumb to be saying this stuff out loud?

The blame goes exactly where the blame SHOULD go… on the Bush Administration, Repuglicans in Congress, and Big Oil. Once again… telling you who's to blame for it. It's everyone else's fault but their own.

This country's in a recession, yet they still refuse to own it. When their plane crashes and burns in November… it will all be McCain's fault, as their party will turn on it's own. Their party shall reap what it sows….

Mental recession due to underfunded schools?

No child left behind?

Misinterpreted?

Keep it up, you are only helping Obama.

I'm glad that my losses at the pump, grocery store and hospital are really just tricks of the mind. At least then I can find comfort in the fact that since they're just 'mental' issues that the money is really back in my account.

As for taking it out of context, what context could that possibly sound good in? Give me a break. This has to be some kind of sick joke. Nobody can be that ignorant of reality.

Republicans call hard-working Americans "whiners" and "mental" cases?

Here's how the McCain family lives, according to CNN:

"Their credit card bills peaked between January 2007 and May 2008, during which time Cindy McCain charged as much as $500,000 in a single month on one American Express card and $250,000 on another, while one of their two dependent children had an AmEx card with a monthly balance as large as $50,000."

"In the June issue of Vogue magazine, Cindy McCain said she favors suits made by the German designer Escada, which typically retail for around $3,000-a-pop."

"Property records show that trusts and corporations controlled by her (Cindy McCain) and her children spent nearly $11 million between the summer of 2004 and this February on three condominiums in Phoenix and a pair outside San Diego."

SO STOP YOUR WHINING AND SHUT UP, PEOPLE OF AMERICA!!!

I guess when your rich you are not in touch with reality or if you work for the media as a reporter and dont want your healthy salary to incurr any new taxes you definetly support the GOP. Your agenda is set for you, you are a small being making too much money with no scruples. I am very upset with all of the Spinning going on by the media when it comes to Obama's campaign. The media is being very obvious in their favortism for McCain which i truly believe is because of their taxes being raised, they'd rather see the country fall before having their taxes raised. This election is about the people against the Rich. America we have to take our Country back!!

He's gonna need a bigger mop, and the industrial strength bullspit remover to clean this one up……..

Ah, but you said "nation of whiners" – sorry dude, NO ONE would refer to the congressional leadership/members as a "nation". You made a Kinsian gaffe – you said what you really believe to be true. and, if that's your feelings, and you're a top advisor, then how could you be advising anything different to McBush. Goodbye.

…Gramm said he that he was trying to say the nation’s leaders, not its people, were “whiners.”…

Eh, that not what he said. Not even close. He specifically referred to the voters that put the economy at the top of their list. There was no mention of politicians. This guy is a joke. If I wanted McCain in the White House, I'd say dump him, but Phil Gramm is turning out to be Bill Clinton of the general election. Every time he opens his mouth Barack picks up half a point.

I think I have my recommendation for McCain's VP.

Phill Graham talks out both sides of his mouth he is so full of it .
They are all members of "The Bird Brain Club "
Their club motto is "Birds of a Feather Flock Togather"

Rove, Bush, McShame along with Graham his left elbow man,Lieberman his right elbow man are full fledge members of this Bird Brain Club thats why they flop their elbows they think they have wings and above all others .

We have news for them .
It would be a plus to this country if they would all fly away.

"Mental recession" comment from a mental midget. The recession is as real as the Obama landslide coming in November.

What we REALLY need are less bozos like Gramm and McCain! THANKS, Gramm, for the fine mortgage crisis you gave us! You and your bank deregulation—what a fiasco!

Nice cover.. but I read the interview, and there is no way that is what you meant.

Whining – I beg your pardon …

The problem is that we got duped into a war that is costing us billions of dollars to no avail – we have a glutinous society that consumes to the point of excess – and we are printing money so fast it is mind boggling

When we consider the history of the last 8 years of the Bush Administration – if it clear that it is the greatest policy failure in our country's history

The fact that "W" has his oil money and Cheney has his Haliburton stock should convince one and all that the neo-cons really do not care about the American people

America – Wake Up – Get Active – Stop The Madness

Well CNN, did he or did he not say "Americans" If so, he was referring to me and every other American. With oil prices as high as they are (they seem to continue rising on a daily basis) we have every right to WHINE. Why change your statement now, Senator Gramm?

All of these changes are making me dizzy.

DEMOCRATS UNITE!!!!

This is the worst year for hyperbole..

Lets see if this gains as much traction as BitterGate.

Also, in case anyone missed the Veteran's question at the McCain townhall meeting, a good summary of McCain's voting record on issues important to the Veterans of this great country can be found at

The McCain Veteran Voting Record

Typical REPUKE,

Oh thanks…first we were Whiners, now we are just mental!!!!! Care to did this hole any deeper??? Wasn't McSame just saying that we love th people in Ohio or Pen and we know you are not bitter!!! Well you just called the whole country whiners!!!! This is a fatal mistake!!!

We "Whiners" as you say will make sure we stop whining long enough to vote in November!!!! No McSame, it won't be for you!!!

Spoken like a True Christian.

This pawn needs to be fired, permanently, as with most of the entire Congress and faux administration, with the exception of Feingold, Paul, and Kucinich, who are True Americans.

Good luck, this country is on a path to hell, and that's the way they want it.

Let's see what freedom of speech means, right here right now……

Keep yapping Mr. Gramm. Everybody knows you have nothing to worry about, after all you are a multimillionaire and you belong to milliners club. While you’re advising your multimillionaire old fellow for his campaign, everyone in this country hurting either by high gas price or struggling to stay in their home. But your friends, John McCain and his wife are snapping these poor people foreclosed homes. Shame on the milliners club and shame on John McCain.

I'm an Obama supporter and pray to God that he wins this election. Some advise for John McCain would be to let Mr. Gramm go. Anyone in there right mind can see that the nation is facing hard times right now and it is not a mental issue. This is the reason John McCain is shown to be out of touch with Americans. I am appalled by these comment but then again I am not, typical Republican BS

Republicans are really good at saying something and then trying to convince people they did not say what they said, even though it's on video.

Not only does this guy think Americans are whiners, but apparently he thinks we're stupid too.

yeah now we try to clean up our comments. The american people see you both for what you really are.

"Top McCain Adviser" Gramm should take a step into the real world where John Q. Citizen doesn't make the big bucks that he does, where healthcare isn't his for life at someone else's expense, where seniors have to make a choice between medication and food, where education is free only to children of illegals. Wake up and smell the coffee!! If this is still the attitude of the Bush/McCain gang (and we know it is), we can do without them. I consider myself an independent, so there are some things I don't like about either candidate; but this country doesn't need 4 more years of "leadership" by those who tolerate only the wealthy and corporate entities.

Mr. Gramm, that is an awful lot of spin. You said we had become a nation of whiners. You said "nation," not "our nation's leaders have become whiners." If you in fact meant something else, you weren't taken out of context. You may have mispoke, but your words were not taken out of context. You should own up to this one.

Even if there is no measured negative growth, that doesn't mean the economy is doing well. It costs twice as much to fill the car with gas. Food becomes more expensive every week. The value of the dollar has declined. Instead of calling people names, whether it be the nation as a whole or its leaders, Mr. Gramm, you could offer some solutions. But then, it appears you are more interested in the game than the solution.

I AGREE!!!!!!!!

What we need is more people willing to work and less people whining that they need govt handouts! And before you Obama people curse me, I am not talking about challenged and old people. I mean able-bodied people whom I support with my high taxes. Besides, you all seem to despise old people, so I guess you young-uns are the ones wanting handouts! Pull up your socks and stop whining for Obama to look after you!

Gas is at 4 dollars and so is milk and we're 'whining'? Who is the Elitist now? I guess it's tough flying everywhere in a private jet, living off a billionaire wife, drinking 300 dollar scotch these days. Man McCain is out-of-touch. I guess this inedependent will hold his nose and vot for Obama.

"We don't have measured negative growth"

Are you kidding me? By whose measurement?
Have you checked with the folks all over the nation that:
don't have enough groceries
don't have money for gas
don't have health insurance
don't have a job
don't have a home anymore?

Yeah….I see who's "out of touch" here and it sure as hell isn't Obama!

Yeah – we are in a recession……loss of jobs, dollar value going down, price of everything going up.

fact the facts and get in touch with the rest of America McCain campaign.

Corporate Talking Heads…same as it ever was

Whiners yall!! Why don't you just eat cake! Ye know? So says Mr. Gramm

If the downturn is all mental then the growth periods were all mental as well. You cannot have it both ways.

lol.. I think McCain's campaign things we're living inside the Matrix.
Gramm is like Agent Smith, and McCain is the architect.

Which makes Obama, Neo. I wounder who Morpheus is ? Axelrod ?

Seriously.. what a moron !!

Mr Gramm's remarks have not been taken out of context. He is a corporate creature with disdain for those not like him.

His contempt for average Americans is obvious. His view is reflected in the overall GOP agenda.

No, thanks.

I am so glad to hear that all my financial struggles (paying my bills, filling my tank, keeping my house, providing comprehensive healthcare for my family) is all in my head, and that I'm just whining. Wow! Thanks Senator Gramm! What a relief! I thought it was the reality of America today! Guess I was wrong.

I have a suggestion, Senator Gramm, why not roll down the window of your beltway insider limo once in a while and listen to what America is saying. I know, I know, the commoners stink, but if you hold your embroidered silk, perfumed hankie to your nose, you won't have to smell reality.

Senator, you are an insider politician of the worst kind. You are out of touch with what is actually going on around you. Your "Let them eat cake" mentality is appalling. It is my greatest hope that you and others like you are kicked to the curb in the next round of elections.

Americans are not whiners!
Americans are hurting because
of eight years of Republican Leadership.
You are right about one thing Senator
Graham (AKA Dr. Phil) we need new
leadership. I will vote for Barack Obama
November 4, 2008.

Say no to Bush 3 and his surrogates!

This man is pathetic and chronic liar.

He said "WE have become a NATION of WHINNERS" so where is the leader in this statement
He should rather come out and apologize for his reckless remarks. If he thinks he can continue to decieve us with semantics, he is makink a big mistake.

When your net worth is in the millions that's an easy thing to say.

This guy's BRAIN is in a mental recession!

He says he only represents himself……..well, if that was the case, you wouldn't be called an ECONOMIC ADVISOR!

McCain relies on your ADVICE, therefore you represent yourself AND your clients!!

Either way, I wouldn't put any money on what he says……..

This explanation doesn't work for me.

I am amused by all of the Clinton supporters who say they are going to vote for McCain.

That means they will have rare opportunity to vote for two losing candidates in the same election year!

Double the losses, double the bitterness!

How could anyone with the IQ higher than a house plant vote for these characters unless of course your annual income exceeds $500,000.00?

McCain has stated he intends to do away with Social Security when he is elected because he doesn't think any part of the taxes younger people pay should be used to fund the Social Security system. If it isn't funded it won't be there it's that simple.

If older people don't have any pension monies coming in after they are too old or medically unfit to work what would McCain propose be done with them. Maybe they should just be put down rather than have them go to the street and eat out of the garbage pails.

Anyway his elitist cronies will come up with something to deal with the elderly…………….maybe they will propose sending them to Iraq!

The American people should remember these comments when election time rolls around and vote these morons right out of office!

What we really need is to push more authority and responsibility to the state level. Once we are able to make meaningful distinctions in the lives of americans based on where they live, we can cut off the lefties and let them wallow in the misery that will be the United Soviets of America.

Red states are still american. Blue states are something approaching the former Eastern bloc.

Saying this while I still can unless the comrades at CNN censor it.

This guy is an idiot AND a whiner. One of the worst kind of Repuglicans there is. Him and others like him are why people are leaving their party in droves. Repuglicans are gonna get creamed in the election this fall… I can't wait to hear the spin on why they're gonna lose. I'm sure it will more of the same… playing the fear card and telling who's to blame for it. And to think I used to respect this party…

Amazing – the lack of judgement from McCain and his chosen ring of advisors. This is exactly what you would expect from the Bush administration. Anybody that is contemplating voting for McCain has their head cemented under a rock!

Too much of the meds.

He's right on, the definition of a recession is two straight quarters of negative growth. By definition we are not in a recession. The more we start to think we are the better our chances become that we get into one.

Is he whining about the "whiners"???

The GOP is rich and out of touch with REAL hardships people face. How can they lead what they don't understand or experience? oh yea… the last 8 yrs.

- Mortgage crises
- gas/food prices
- predatory lending
- can't qualify let alone afford healthcare
- jobs being shipped overseas
- trickle down "economics" – yet the rich put their $ in offshore accounts
- removal of VA hospital benefits
- social security and unbalanced buget (borrow from China??)

I must be imagining all this…

Wow, backpedaling at its best!

He meant it. McMillionaire has said it it different words before. It is in our heads-we bit off more than we can chew in home purchase-he thinks the economy is going well, etc. It is difficult for Multimilionaires and lobbyists to crasp the situation or maybe the really DON"T CARE. The rich get richer-then no problem.

Gramm was NOT referring to America's leaders when he stated that Americans who named the economy as the number one issue were winers and that we were ONLY in a mental recession. His true feelings are on record and he can try to say that were misinterpreted but it won't work. This is the same guy that McCain stated that he would rely on for economic advise since he (McCain) said he doesn't know very much about the economy.

LOL.
Sure buddy. Sure.

Obama 08′

He is an idiot. We are in a recession and that is a fact not just mental. Everyone should be whining.

Does Mr. Graham have any ideas of where we are going to find that "leadership" he claims is the solution. Past and present leaders are the problem………….not the solution.

Wow, so what actually happening to the Auto Worker, Airline Pilot, School Teacher my god!! loosing jobs is all mental!!!!

Oh my God!!! Help us John McCain and Phil Gramm When you have so much money and a private jet I guess the cost of fuel really don't bother them….

He is absolutely right! I, for one, am sick and tired of some our government officials always asking another to apologize when they say something negative, which is often the truth. To the whiners, I say… Grow up, stop blaming others for your problems, do your stinkin' job, and grow a back bone!

THE WORD IS ELITIST AND BY FACTUAL THE MCLAME CAMPAIGN ARE OUT OF TOUCH.

AND THIS IS A DEBATE WE WILL LIKE TO HAVE AND HOPE THE MEDIA MAKES IT HAPPEN

Everytime you look at Phil Gramm just remember that his wife was on the board at Enron. Everytime you look at him just remember his excuse for not going to Viet Nam.

Okay and Obama's patriotism is questioned? What kind of hogwash is this? First, John McCain wants to drill not to help Americans with gas prices (which he knows it won't) but because of the "psychological" effect it would have on the market. Then this Enron clown tells us that our pain is "whining?" Tell that to the people having their homes foreclosed or for people like me and millions of others who are spending $250.00 a month on gas and can't afford to get a basket of groceries. He has a heck of a lot of nerve.

THERE IT IS, A SPECK OF REAL TRUTH

"HELL, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE VICTIMS"

I'm sure that Phil and his wife Wendy are tired of those less fortunate that are living paycheck to paycheck, on the cusp of poverty, expressing their concerns that the country is headed in the wrong direction. Phil and his wife run with a crowd that could care less about the country being for all of the people, not just the wealthiest 1 or 2 percent. This country may be a great nation, but the greatest nations make an effort to pay attention to all of the people and not just the corporations that lobby the government.

Want the whining to stop? Start work for all of the people!!! If the press is reporting accurate statistics on foreclosures, unemployment, etc., then Phil should stop whining. We are all tired of the gray haired old white men running the country……

McBush, surrounded by the likes of Charlie Black and Phil Gramm would be one of the most corrupt administrations in history.

Sounds to me like it is the McBush camp that is whinning about things. Americans are actually suffering the handy works of Bush the past 8 years. Bush 1 left us in a recession and Bush 2 is trying to leave us in a depression.

Phil Gramm can go to Haites!

Former Senator Phil Gramm was quoted as saying, “I said we are in a mental recession. We keep getting the steady drum beat of bad news…it’s become a mental recession,” said Gramm.

I have always thought that “Mental” was that which is or was perceived while physical what the actual loss there of. Well if it is rumored that jobs will be lost it is depressing but when the pink, or any other color, slips go out then it becomes a recession. I do not mentally feel the pinch of the cost of my gas or the increased cost of food while at the same time suffering the loss of a real job. What I feel is real and it hurts so don’t tell me it is mental.

Right now it is a parade with only drums as instruments.

Well, while it may be technically true that we are not in a recession, you have to keep in mind that this "mental recession" stuff is coming from somebody who doesn't have to spend a second of his life worrying about money. This "mental recession" is just as bad, and the economy is headed in that general direction anyway, with prices of gasoline and everything else increasing and the dollar becoming so worthless people will not even want to use it as toilet paper. I would like to find out what each candidate intends to do to strengthen the dollar.

Elitist…?

he said it but doesn´t mean it…….from the mc chee playbook

these repugnants are one and all the same…..pityful and sickening

rove´s refusal to testify will, for once and for all, sink the repugnants in november

Well I hope McDoNothin is able to cover everyone with this particular mental illness. I hear its contageous and most Americans are showing symptoms of this 'mental' recession.

McCain you have the wrong guy speaking for you… I guess we poor regular Americans are just a 'nation of whiners' as stated by this surrogate.

It must be a mental thing, paying $4+ for gas, $4+ for milk, this increasing job loss, stagnant wages, rising insurance & healthcare costs, the list goes on… but it is just a mental thing, right?

And, who's elitist again?

I believe what you said was "a Nation of Whiners" not a leadership. You can backtrack now but the news cycle aint what it used to be when you were a young man.
so too little too late.
Obama oh eight.
(it rhymed!) lol

Gramm needs more brains and less lip.

pfffffffffffffffffff

Oh, dear…..

How can US workers compete with Mexico when their workers are getting paid 1/4 of what they would in the US because of weak labor standards. And US companies are exploiting the "free trade" argument to secure more profits by lowering wages. Free trade alright we trade with countries which "frees" up an American job…

How much out-of-context can you take:

"“Senator McCain said the economic problems facing Americans are psychological — now his top economic adviser and BFF, Phil Gramm said Americans facing tough economic are ‘whiners?’”

This is a direct quote!

He must be right. It is all part of the “game”

My life, my wife, my children, and my community are all part of a game.

Thanks!

I agree with Gramm. Noone whines more than Obama. When anyhting happens he dosen't like he pull sthe race card.

Personnaly, I would like to know why is it that McCain is collecting Social security?!….giving his millions!

I would also like to know why John McSame wants to kill civilian Iranians with "outsourced" American cigarettes.

Is this a mental recession or mental war going on in our head or McSame head?!

I need answers….because I dont trust McBush with the white house!!!!!

If you don't believe McCain and Gramm have talked about this and agree, you are kidding yourself. Its not possible his top economy advisor and him are on a different page. His past statements only show he has at least some belief this is true. This is the worst thing McCain could ever have imagined happening.

Epitomizes the "real" state of condition of the GOP at this time. This comment is the equivalent of "let them eat cake" by France's monarchy that was totally out of touch with the dire conditions of the people.

Gramm is an elitist jerk and most Americans are baffled and offended by his rhetoric. It IS about the speculators and Big Oil monopoly stupid. Either continue to be slaves of Big Oil or move forward and find better alternatives such as wind, solar and all-hybrid 50 mpg cars within 5 years.

Backpeddling much?

Sorry, but you can't take it back that easily. Time for the OBAMA camp to take it and make an add with it in Swing States…!!!

McBush admits he knows nothing about the economy, and now his senior advisor has proven he doesn't either. How can polls still show that SOME people STILL trust McSame on this issue???

In case any of you need insight into this mans brain, below is from his bio.

Career: Gramm unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in 1976. He first won election to the House of Representatives as a Democrat three years later. The long-standing state tradition was for right-wing Texans to pose as Democrats to get elected.

Oh I see, so you avoid completely reporting on Gramm's comments that Americans are whiners but have no problem putting together a nice piece of how he was misinterpreted. Do you enjoy making up the news CNN? Because I was brought up to think the journalists are supposed to REPORT the news.

An what about Obamas vote on the FISA bill. he is for the wiretap he promised to filerbust before? this guys veiws change with the wind, What really are his politics. hope they dont see my many Changes. Theres moving to the center then theres going BUSH on us.

WOW this guy is blowing McCain's campaign. This is a deadly comment guaranteed Obama camp will seize on this.

"Americans have become a nation of whiners" is exactly what he said and he didn't separate the "leaders" from the "victims". And if he's hoping that Americans will believe his explanation, then he also thinks Americans are stupid too.

I love how the McCain campaign issued a statement saying:

"Phil Gramm’s comments are not representative of John McCain’s views."

Meanwhile when General Clark made his statements, McCain jumped all over Obama even going as far as to tell him to drop the General.

Is McCain going to drop Gramm? Doubtful, because "Gramm's comments are not representative of McCain's views."

Great, but that line of thought goes both ways, sir.

So, and I'm quoting here "A Nation of Whiners" does mean the nation. It means the leaders of the nation. Whatever. Another bad mark on the McCain campaign.

a leader of your mold, right, phil?

what a shameless thief!

Talk about leadership. His own party guy has been on the driver's seat for seven and half years. And now he's backing another. If they never got it right the first time how in the world do they think they can get it right now? This is the mindset of the Republican party. They never agree that anyone is suffering. It's always about the people's fault. Can their leaders ever take responsibility for anything in their lives. Blame! blame! blame! the people.

i agree with Gramm that we shouldn't just blame people or businesses that are winning according to the rules we've set.

The leadership we need, though, is leadership that will rewrite the rules in a comprehensive way so that we don't see such gross outcomes. A progressive tax policy is a good way to start.

It's funny to hear him talk about programs for using energy more efficiently. How many such bills (e.g. raising fuel efficiency standards for cars) has Gramm opposed over the years. How many programs for funding research into solar and wind energy did he vote against?

And when Ronald Reagan took down the solar water heater that Jimmy Carter put on the White House, was Phil Gramm cheering? I'll bet he was. When we needed leadership, he, like John McCain, was AWOL.

Idiot !!!!!

All you people who lost your homes due to forclosure, stop whining.
All you people who lost your jobs due to outsourcing, stop whining.
All you people who have to decide whether to feed your family or fill up the gas tank, stop whining.

It's all in your head.

Way to go, John!

Now you understand how Obama feels all the time. They always twist his words around. Youor McSame just haven't been on the receiving side. One question: How does it feel???

Obama 08

This, sadly to say is what McBush believes. Let him stand in line to pay for food, or pump his own gas. hHe might get a clue, though I doubt it!

"We have sort of become a nation of whiners. You just hear this constant whining, complaining about a loss of competitiveness, America in decline," said the former Texas senator.

"Nation of whiners." …Doesn't sound like he was talking about the leaders to me. One question: is this reversal pandering, or just a good old-fashioned Freudian slip? (Or could it be both?)

Holy Cow – Whinergate made the CNN ticker.

Let's see if it gets night and day coverage for the next two months

liar liar graham we know what you meant no turning back now i know graham your a flipper like your old pal mccain!!!!

The McSame's camp has the nerve to call workers in this country whiners??!!! Also we are in a mental recession??? You have some nerve!!!! It's easy to say everything is okay when your wife is a multi millionaire Mr McSame, but hard working people are struggling or are you so out of touch that you don't notice???? I have news for you McSame, we are not whiners and our votes will let you know that fact in November!!!

Riiight, I believe you Phil, honest I do.