The floodgates will open because they have to open. There's no way on God's green earth to find veto-proof majorities to re-up that ban, and no bill George W. Bush won't veto to stop it. ... So it's either flip now and do what you can to save face, or stick it out to the bitter end and lose.
Still, there's a potential upside for Democrats: Embrace a truly comprehensive plan and then call the Republicans' bluff. Rather than meekly acknowledging that drilling is one component of energy independence, embrace drilling as as a necessary evil to pry us from the skyrocketing energy costs brought on by two wars and an administration that has so far refused to embrace an all-encompassing plan. Although the realist in me thinks it's far more likely that both sides will continue their respective turf wars. Drilling has been a rare popular issue for Republicans in the current political environment, and Democrats don't want to risk alienating the enviro lobby, or the sincere reservations of many in their own caucus.
UPDATE: The DNC is now sending journalists McCain stress balls shaped like oil drums.
![[RSS]](http://67.192.49.194/templates/images/rss_icon.gif){kind=icon}
Post A Comment