McCain was asked on Monday at an Associated Press event whether he thought the nation was in a recession.

"I certainly think so," said McCain, who then went on to add that no matter whether it's not a recession technically as yet, "Americans are hurting today."

Who is to blame? 

"I think the finger of blame can be pointed at everybody," said McCain, who included on that list, the Congress and President Bush.

Economic issues are not seen as McCain's strong spot, and it certainly is a legitimate critique of his time in the Congress.

McCain has naturally focused more on national security issues during his time in the Congress, not the ins and outs of this pro-growth tax plan.

One thing that offsets a bit of that has been his years spent railing against pork barrel spending, so he can at least say that he's tried to keep the spending side of the equation at a decent level during his years in the House and Senate.

Of course, McCain also visits Pennsylvania at a time when the controversy continues over Barack Obama's remarks about "bitter" small town Americans.

McCain on Monday made sure he didn't ignore the issue in a Washington, D.C. appearance, as labled the comments "elitist."

For McCain, it's a hanging curveball that he can reach back to hit every week from now until November and will certainly bring cheers from his GOP audiences.

And if he doesn't mention it again today at his two stops in PA, I would be surprised to say the least....