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Appearing on ABC's "Good Morning America", the Arizona senator and presumptive GOP nominee said contrary to earlier reports he is well aware of economic conditions and the struggles currently facing Americans, The Hill reported.

McCain promoted his economic recovery plan calling for low taxes, less regulation and allowing drilling for oil and gas off the U.S. coast. He also said we must stop distorting the market by subsidizing domestic ethanol and preventing sugar cane-based ethanol from coming into the United States.

But his main thrust appeared to be countering perceptions that likely Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois might top him in understanding of economic issues. McCain insisted he never said, as reported during last December's New Hampshire primary race, that he wasn't very strong on the economy.

"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."

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