Phil Gramm's Return Engagement, For Two Days Only

(CBS)

(ASPEN, COLO.) - Former McCain adviser Phil Gramm is in attendance at John McCain's event at the Aspen Institute this afternoon, which is about to get underway.

Gramm stepped down from the campaign last month after he was criticized for saying the U.S. economy is in a "mental recession" and that the U.S. is a "nation of whiners."

Gramm, who's seated in the front row for today's event, told CBS News that he's in Colorado to help McCain raise money and that he's there as a supporter, not as a campaign adviser.

"I am a supporter of John McCain," said Gramm. "I am helping him with fundraising. We have a fundraiser today and I will be with him today and tomorrow."