KTKA

Hard economic times. Is it all in your head or your wallet? Former Texas Senator Phil Gramm, who has a doctorate in economics, believes it's the former.

"You've heard of mental depression? This is mental recession," Gramm said. John McCain described Gramm, one of his top economic advisors this way.

"No one who is more respected on the issue of economics than Phil Gramm," McCain said.

But while McCain says "People are hurting, people are hurting badly." That contradicts Gram's latest message to the Washington Times, which essentially boils money down to mind over matter.

"You just hear this constant whining complaining. We sort of become nation of whiners," Gramm said.

"Phil Gramm does not speak for me. I speak for me," McCain said.

And spoken like a true opponent, Barack Obama seized the moment.

"You know, America already has one Dr. Phil. When it comes to the economy, we don't need another. We need someone to actually solve the economy," Obama said. "It's not just a figment of your imagination it is not all in your head."

Voters agree.

"I think it's way more than just our imagination. It's in our face. We need help."

"What do I whine about? High grocery prices, the price of milk and eggs."

At one time Gramm was talked about as a potential Treasury Secretary for McCain, but many have now made a mental* note or two... perhaps to the contrary.