The problem is that neither the MSM nor the conservative media have any conception of the problems that have been created by government overspending, debt creation beyond all reason, and ineffective leadership by those in charge of our ship of state. The left, politically refuses to recognize the problem because the remedies they have for the economy is more spending and debt creation, the conservatives refuse to admit to the problems because the government(Bush), for which they voted has so totally mismanaged the nation during the last 8 years.
It's about perceived power and control of those within government. Common sense is vastly overridden with the notion that 'the government must have its control' and 'Geee-wizzz, I can make a ton of money under the table on this deal / last minute piece of legislation sneaked into a bill. No one will ever know.'