I suppose the former senator and former chairman of mortgage giant USB might have a hard time understanding the average American's fears and anxieties about the economy. After all, Phill Gramm's idea of rough economic times is probably being forced to cut down on the number of manicures he gets a week from 3 to 2.

How else can you explain his statement that he thought the American people were suffering from some kind of mental disease when it comes to the economy? Gramm thinks that the current economic downturn is a "mental recession" and that the American people are a "nation of whiners."

Not a great way to win friends and influence people, Phil.

Obama, for his part, came back with a good one: "You know, America already has one Dr. Phil,” Obama said. He added: "When it comes to the economy, we don’t need another.”

McCain was livid, allowing his tart sense of humor to show through. When some reporter asked if Gramm was still in consideration for Secretary of the Treasury, Mcain said "I think Senator Gramm would be in serious consideration for ambassador to Belarus,” he said, “although I’m not sure the citizens of Minsk would welcome that.”

That sound you heard is McCain kicking Gramm through the windsheild of the bus and running him over - definite road kill.