KUDLOW: MCCAIN MUST SHIFT RIGHT ON ENERGY AND THE ECONOMY OR HE WILL LOSE

KUDLOW/NRO:

McCain is scoring poorly with the investor class because of his economic ambiguities.

As we know, the investor class is one of the highest-turnout blocks each election, comprising two of nearly every three votes cast. It should be a natural core GOP constituency. But wait a minute, look at this: The latest numbers from the highly respected IBD/TIPP poll show McCain with a slim 44 percent to 41 percent lead over Obama in June. Last April, McCain was ahead 49 to 41 percent.

He should win this investor poll by at least 15 percentage points, given the anti-investor and anti-business sentiment loudly proclaimed by Obama.

However, if investors are on the fence about this election, it could spell trouble for Senator Mac.

• THE TROUBLE IS MCCAIN ISN'T A CONSERVATIVE ON ECONOMIC ISSUES - EXCEPT FOR CUTTING SPENDING.
• HE SHOULD PICK A VEEP WHO IS STRONG ON THESE ISSUES: ROMNEY COMES TO MIND.