In the long saga which is the U.S. presidential election campaign, Americans are still managing to see the funny side. As Obama and McCain use the final seven weeks before the vote to re-energise their supporters, the U.S. comedy industry has been in full

The Internet is flourishing with videos, comic strips, jokes and rumours. Bloggers, journalists and cartoonists have had more than their share of fun throughout this campaign.

An embarrasing moment at a press conference when Republican candidate John McCain couldn't remember how many houses he owned turned into a comedy hit in the American media.

But as RT's correpondent found out, on the streets of New York, not everyone thinks the election is a laughing matter.

“It’s nothing to laugh about, unfortunately. It’s a little too serious. We just can’t take another eight years of what we had,” said one man.

“Politics isn’t funny right now. There’s not much fun going on. One candidate is scary and the other one is even scarier,” another said.

Comedian Ishaq, who says his name means 'laughter' in Arabic, thinks they should lighten up. “Everything in politics deserves being made fun of! Because it’s ridiculous, ridiculous! Almost everything that you see on television!”

The American election campaign has been a thrilling ride. It's seen some serious battles of wit and tests of political mettle.

But it's also had its lighter moments. Now with just weeks remaining until America elects its new leader, the constant torrent of satire, rumor and political quips is reaching fever pitch.