Energy gets top billing as political issue
Pignanelli & Webb
Pignanelli: "Will Democrats snatch defeat from the jaws of victory" is the common inquiry in political discussions and blogs. Pollsters and analysts have decreed 2008 is an absolute lock for Democrats to gain the presidency and increase numbers in the House and Senate. Some politicos have already developed eulogies for the Republican Party. But Democrat veterans remember past minor missteps exploding into major catastrophes. This year, the potential disaster is gas prices.
American consumers' relationship with gasoline is interesting — $3 a gallon causes minor grumbles. At $4, millions of families are readjusting their travel plans and screaming for action. A tipping point (as described by Malcolm Gladwell) is when "the momentum for change becomes unstoppable." We have likely reached that stage. A recent Pew study reveals Americans now believe petroleum costs are the No. 1 issue, with almost one half of self-described liberals sharing the concern. This poses challenges for Democrats that maintain a longtime opposition to offshore drilling and internal exploration. Current U.S. Senate candidate and former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner is running from the traditional Democratic position against offshore drilling to avoid voter anger.
Republicans will not make it easy for Democrats to retreat or massage messaging on restricting oil development. They are provoking the public with a claim that prices will drop when drilling is allowed. Unfortunately for Democrats, their current response (i.e., the problems with offshore drilling, plans for alternative energy, etc.) is too long and complicated. Republicans usually retort "Drill, Drill, Drill!"
Democrats need an articulate message on gas prices that soothes voters ... and fits on a bumper sticker.
Webb: The high price of energy is an enormous drag on the economy, and it impacts every one of us. It's a much bigger threat than even terrorism and thus deserves pre-eminence in the 2008 election. Any politician who doesn't focus hard on realistic ways to achieve energy independence, and make it a top priority, ought to be defeated.
We need to get serious. Here's what it's going to take:
• Much more conservation (turn off lights, take public transit, buy high-mileage cars, build energy-efficient homes and businesses). Conservation can make a big difference, and breakthroughs in automotive and a lot of other technologies are going to help.
Recent comments
Once again, Matheson proves that Democrats, especially those that...
Geoff | July 9, 2008 at 7:52 p.m.
Kill the oil crisis with innovation. Man the economy, full speed...
Success it to death | July 6, 2008 at 8:01 p.m.
I say the "oil crisis" is an attempt to get our attention...
misdirection | July 6, 2008 at 5:17 p.m.
