McCain adviser Gramm leaves campaign

Former lawmaker from Texas resigns after 'nation of whiners' comment

updated 1 hour, 14 minutes ago

NEW
YORK - Phil Gramm, a top adviser to presidential candidate John McCain,
said Friday he is resigning from the role as campaign co-chairman after
his comments that the United States had become a "nation of whiners"
who constantly complain about the state of the economy.

The
former U.S. senator from Texas and past presidential candidate made the
remarks earlier this month. McCain immediately distanced himself from
the comments, but they have been criticized constantly as McCain tries
to show he can help steer the country past its current financial
troubles.

Gramm
had also suggested that the country was facing a "mental recession"
instead of real economic problems. Gramm said in a statement late
Friday that he is stepping down as a co-chair of the campaign to "end
this distraction."