Obama: Election 'not a reality show'

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Barack Obama says the Wall Street crisis has made voters realize the election is "not a reality show."

Speaking Tuesday at a fundraiser among entertainment industry stars and business leaders in Beverly Hills, Calif., Obama used television metaphors to tell concerned donors that this week's financial sector turmoil has focused attention away from trivialities and onto his economic proposals, The Los Angeles Times reported.

The Wall Street crisis "has suddenly focused people's attention, and it's reminded people of what's at stake," Obama said. "It's reminded people that this is not a game. This is not a reality show, no offense to any of you. This is not a sitcom."

Republican opponent Sen. John McCain of Arizona criticized Obama's Hollywood fundraising, saying in Ohio, "he flew off to Hollywood for a fundraiser with Barbra Streisand and his celebrity friends."

But Obama campaign strategist David Axelrod told the Times: "I think (voters have) heard the whole Republican whoop-de-do before, and this time, I don't think they're going to subscribe to it, because there's so much at stake."