Remember when John McCain admitted, as is his straight-talkin’ maverick-elicious wont, months ago that he’s not really up on the economy? Well so does everybody else. And now he’s backpedaling like Lance Armstrong.

The original remark…slipped out last December in New Hampshire when McCain said, “The issue of economics is not something I’ve understood as well as I should.” He went on to joke, “I have Greenspan’s book,” referring to the biography that has just been published at the time by former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan.

McCain has tried previously to deny that he ever claimed ignorance of economic matters, but that quote won’t go away.

No, even on a campaign stop/vacation in Columbia to address Americans’ greatest concern right now (for those who guessed the e-word again, you’re wrong), the War on Drugs, his candid and witty moment follows him.

…”Good Morning America’s” Robin Roberts…asked McCain why he went abroad when the No. 1 issue for voters was the U.S. economy.

“You have admitted that you’re not exactly an expert when it comes to the economy,” Roberts began.

“I have not. I have not. I actually have not,” McCain interrupted. “I said that I am stronger on national security issues because of all the time I spent in the military. Very strong on the economy. I understand it. I have a lot more experience than my opponent.”

Let’s recap. McCain is very strong on the economy. He understands it and everything. Hey, I’m convinced. But how come he has no ideas on what to do about anything, you know, economic?

“I’m not ignoring the economy,” he said. “I’ve been speaking about it over the last two weeks.” McCain said a key to reviving the economy is ending the country’s dependence on foreign oil, and he ticked off elements of his energy plan, including more offshore oil drilling and nuclear power plants along with increased use of wind, solar and clean coal technology.

See? McCain understands the economy. Or is it energy? If you were hoping he’d weigh in on the credit and housing crises, keep waiting. When asked what he’d do about that stuff, McCain said, “Uh, I got nothing.”

[Las Vegas Sun’s Jon Ralston asks about the foreclosure bill in Congress]

[McCain] It is imperfect but I am also saying, and I may not have said this a month ago, we may have to do more.

[Ralston: “Like what?”]

[McCain] I don’t know, but we may have to do more…The housing crisis continues to deepen…

Just call McCain the Man with the Plan…for the War on Drugs.