I have been off-blog as I’ve tried to reconcile my growing frustration and anger with a public point of view. Clearly the leading issue of the day is the USA financial mess. Linked to that is the USA presidential race.

What’s angered me - and led to a delay in posting - are comments by candidates and their management of the campaign.

“This election is not about issues,” said Rick Davis, the campaign manager for John McCain. “This election is about a composite view of what people take away from these candidates.” (Source: Washington Post)

Rick Davis is the same man who was paid $30,000 per month to lobby government on behalf of failed mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. In essence he pushed for less government intervention - leading to today’s financial meltdown. Today his political capital is falling faster than a Lehman Brothers executive compensation package - see US News &World Report.

If this is not about issues (such as Iraq, Wall Street, FEMA, Subprime) then it’s about people - like the moose hunting soccer Mom Veep candidate. (Now immortalised as an action doll.)

Now McCain has called for a hiatus from campaigning. He wants to head to Washington to solve the financial mess he allowed to build up over his 26 years in office. Maybe Davis has to work for the $30,000 per month lobbying fee, too.

Professional public relations is about honesty and integrity and action. These tricks and distractions are base beyond compare.

Bring on the election. We need change - now!