McCain is more of the same Bush policies but with a bit more theater and make-up too.

The economy has become the most important issue for American voters ahead of the presidential election, according to the latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll.

And the numbers speak for themselves: Nearly six out of 10 voters are worried about their current financial situation, 77 percent believe the country is in a recession and three-quarters of those respondents believe the worst is yet to come.

This situation seems to benefit Democrat Barack Obama, who, according to the poll, holds a substantial advantage over Republican John McCain when it comes to economic matters.

The survey also finds that nearly half of voters don’t believe that McCain’s running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Pain, is qualified to be president should the need arise.

Additionally, more than 60 percent of respondents believe that McCain would “mostly” follow the agenda and policies of President George W. Bush, whose approval rating is mired at 30 percent.