Conservatives are excited that Democrats like Eric Massa are bucking the party on the energy crisis. Massa is calling for Congress to stay in session to address the energy crisis, echoing Al Gore's request. And American Solutions for Winning the Future is apparently encouraging town hall appearances.
I'm actually a bit surprised no one picked up on my observation yesterday that Obama's negative TV advertising against McCain focuses almost entirely on oil and energy prices, and contrasts that with clean energy (the rest of his ads focus on offshoring of jobs). It's a big bet on oil. Moreover, since he's already come out being willing to drill, it's an odd concession unless there's something else going on. And there is.
King: Do you expect -- do you suspect the oil companies of having a lot of clout here, influence over the Republicans?
Pelosi: Of course. Yes, they rule. And that's what we'll find out.
And she is saying that a vote for drilling is possible, but only if it includes renewable energy standards, wind, solar, and biofuel incentives. And in all likelihood, the vote will include removing the subsidies for oil companies, which McCain will not do (he calls it raising taxes).
So basically Obama and Pelosi are going to try to put McCain and the Republicans in a box. They can have their drilling, but only if oil company subsidies are removed to pay for renewable energy programs for the long-term.
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