Critics try to expose McCain on economy

Democrats are busy preparing to tear strips off John McCain in the expectation of his formal coronation as the Republican nominee.

As the economy tips into recession, Mr McCain's poor grasp of economics is already a problem. "The issue of economics is not something I've understood as well as I should," Mr McCain said while campaigning in New Hampshire. "I've got [Alan] Greenspan's book."

George Bush called on the conservative wing of his party yesterday to rally behind the Republican nominee without specifically naming Mr McCain. The candidate needs the energetic support of the party rank and file, but the conservative wing will be reluctant foot soldiers.

Mr McCain has a long history of clashing with his party's right wing. From his hard-line positions on Iraq, abortion and immigration there is plenty of material for the opposition to use in the presidential election.