As we wrote in our Post Mortem election analysis, the economy cost John McCain the election.  Many Americans voted for Barack Obama hoping for a better economy.

But what role did the media play in the economic downturn?  A survey released today shows that more than three in four Americans place some blame for the current recession right at the doorstep of the Fourth Estate.

Seventy-seven percent of Americans responded that they believe that the U.S. media is making the economic situation worse by projecting fear into people’s minds.

The majority of those surveyed feel that the financial press, by focusing on and embellishing negative news, is damaging consumer confidence and damping investment, making a difficult situation much worse.

The McCain campaign launched their latest ad “Celeb�, today comparing Barack Obama to Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.  Spears and Hilton have careers made in tabloid heaven, have made their living feeding into the public’s fascination of them.  They have well crafted events and happen upon well-staged photo ops.  The public is mesmerized by them and want more.  More to read about, chat about, gossip about.  Spears and Hilton provide more without question.  It is all for entertainment value.  And judging by the coverage of Paris Hilton going to jail and Britney Spears going to the mental ward on Fox News, MSNBC and CNN, the public is enthralled with celebrity so much, that we call it news and give them permission to keep making headlines. 

Barack Obama feeds in to the public’s fascination.  He creates an electric atmosphere with his killer smile and way with words.  He is young and fun, with a talent for speaking a lot and offering little. 

The American public is not happy with the President, with Congress, the economy and they are looking for a little entertainment- Obama wants to entertain us.  It started out simple- Photogs snapping pictures when Obama was splashing around beachside without his shirt on.  The suspense escalated as the Obama versus Hillary drama ensued.  Finally, he is giving rock concert like speeches to thousands and thousands of Germans.  Obama skipped out on meeting with our hospitalized troops while overseas, yet his campaign is able to find time to play sports and speak to cheering Germans.  Yes, I am highlighting all of the over-the-top things that the Obama campaign has orchestrated.  But this is why he is so much like Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.  They have survived on their rock star-like qualities.  Rock stars do not bring solutions to our government. 

John McCain will bring solutions while Obama will bring us “Hope.�  Not sure what “Hope� will do to fix the economy and deal with energy issues.  “Hope� will not ensure our national security.  “Hope� won’t do a thing for taxes. 

The public is beginning to see Obama fail the substance test.  Obama has been unable to provide strong answers to energy policy, foreign relations and economy questions.  According to a Quinnipiac University/Wall Street Journal/ Washingtonpost.Com Poll on July 24^th.  Sen. McCain has picked up support in almost every group in every state, especially among independent voters and men voters. The Republican now leads Obama among independent voters in Michigan and Minnesota. Overall results show:

merica does not want a rock star, they want a President.  John McCain is ready to serve day one, without fanfare and paparazzi. 

• Colorado: McCain is up by a nose 46 - 44 percent, compared to a 49 - 44 percent Obama lead June 26;
• Michigan: Obama tops McCain 46 - 42 percent, compared to a 48 - 42 percent lead last time;
• Minnesota: Obama edges ahead 46 - 44 percent, compared to a 54 - 37 percent Obama lead;
• Wisconsin: Obama leads McCain 50 - 39 percent, compared to 52 - 39 percent.

America does not want a rock star, they want a President.  John McCain is ready to serve day one, without fanfare and paparazzi.