Instead, the ad was on energy issues. Okay, that's an important issue. But it was THE issue about six weeks ago, not now.

I know the Wall Street issue is complicated and doesn't break down neatly into a "he's for bad things" and "I'm for good things."

But how hard is it to dream up an attack ad on the economy right now for the Democrats? I can do that while watching NFL highlights and eating potato chips.

How about this that I'm going to make up on the fly.

"Wall Street crashes. Billions to bail out Wall Street firms but nothing for Main Street. Don't give John McCain's allies another four years in the White House."

Add in some melodramatic music as well, and you've got a 30 second attack ad. I'm sure you can figure out something for McCain to throw at Obama, too.

It has been interesting to watch the coverage in recent days of both candidates when it comes to not only the Wall Street ups and downs, but the bailout plan that emerged in recent days.

The commentary has mainly been that both Obama and McCain have been treading gingerly, unsure what the reaction will be to the proposed $700 billion bailout.

But back to my main point. It's the economy that should be the big issue in coming weeks.

So each side hasn't figured out which was the winds are going to blow on the mortgage debt bailout. Who cares? It's crunch time. Go for the gusto.

It's the economy, stupid.

Except for the ads in my neighborhood.