KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- What does the U.S. credit downgrade mean for your bank account? Sen.Bob Corker, R-TN tackled the issue during a luncheon in downtown Knoxville Monday.

"Everybody's in a state of concern right now, as they should be," said Corker. Because here at home and on world markets, our nation's image is taking a beating. Add to that, discord in congress over "how" to solve the debt problem.

"You know it's going to take both parties to get us out of this," Corker said. Those same politicians, plus Tea Party members whom some here believe are to blame.

"They're the ones that brought us in this mess. They need to get us out and they need to hurry up," said James Sigwerth of Knoxville.

Said Stephen Ogle, also of Knoxville, "I think you can probably point your finger at everybody in Washington, D.C."

"I just hope they get it together and stop pointing the finger at everybody and get it solved," said Melodie Scott of Chattanooga. Scott is a postal worker who's seen her 401-(k) plummet with the stock market. "What does he suggest that he can do to help," Scott asked. So I put that question to the senator.

"We've got to deal with entitlements. "With people living longer we're going to have to raise the retirement age," said Corker.

Across town Gov. Bill Haslam is also reacting to the U.S. credit rating downgrade. "I think Washington will be sending less money to the states and the cities."

And, no matter what that dollar amount is, it all comes down to politicians working together.

"At least compromise with the Democrats and sit down and talk it out," said Scott.