Money matters for worried US voters

By Sima Kotecha
Newsbeat US reporter

On 4 November voters will decide between Obama and McCain

There's nothing like getting back into your own bed. After having spent the last week on the BBC bus, I'm thrilled to be in my cosy Manhattan apartment.

But now that I'm home, I've had time to reflect on my journey.

The four states I visited (Tennessee, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio) had one major thing in common.

Locals from each were moaning about the same thing - the economy. People everywhere in this country are struggling for cash.

It really hits home when you hear it from the young mum of four who can't afford healthcare. Or the barman who hasn't had a day off in three weeks because he needs to make the rent or will be homeless.

Then there's the election which is a ray of light for avid supporters of Barack Obama and John McCain.

I need healthcare. I'm still paying back the medical bills from when I had my son Leslie Hall, 28-year-old mum

Some people truly believe the country's problems will be resolved if the right man is in the White House.

Leslie Hall from Nashville, Tennessee, is 28 years old and has a seven month old boy.

She said: "If Obama doesn't win this election I'm ready to leave the country.

"It's that serious. I need healthcare. I'm still paying back the medical bills from when I had my son."

The central vibe is that this election is crucial. It's a hot topic and TVs in bars across the nation are showing constant coverage of both candidates.

With just over three weeks until election day, voters are carefully listening to what is being offered by the parties.

Anger and frustration

But some are just so angry that they can't bear to watch.

'Tiny' the taxi driver doesn't want either presidential candidate to win

Natasha, from Akron in Ohio, is a 22-year-old student. She was furious when I asked her who her favourite candidate was.

She said: "They're useless - both of them. I don't think any of them can get us out of this mess.

"I wanted Hillary Clinton in. She would have resolved it."

A taxi driver, known as Tiny, took me to Akron airport in Ohio so that I could catch my flight back to New York City.

He left me with an interesting perspective on McCain and Obama: "I don't want neither of them to win.

"One wants to take us to war and the other one will be killed - so it won't be a good situation no matter what."

The pessimism is extreme. Fuelled by anger and frustration.

Back in New York, it's not really any different. Joe, the man at my local deli looked tired when I nipped in to get some milk.

He told me he'd been working 13 hours straight: "I'm very tired but what can you do. Work is work. I need the money."