The conventional wisdom has been that Sen. John McCain holds a solid advantage in Florida over Sen. Barack Obama due to favorable demographics -- especially the large number of older voters and those affiliated with the military.
Perhaps that's why McCain felt it was acceptable to reverse himself this week and back lifting the ban on offshore oil drilling -- something Floridians have long fought. In doing so, McCain provided an opening for Democrats, who accused him of
flip-flopping on the issue and bending to the desires of big oil companies.
It's an easy prediction that Democrats are already making television
ads featuring oil spills ruining Florida's pristine beaches and tourism
industry.
Today, a new Quinnipiac poll actually shows McCain trailing Obama in Florida by four points. At best for McCain, Florida is going to be competitive
and oil drilling will be a key issue in the campaign. At worst,
McCain just seriously hurt his chances in a critical swing state.
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Comments
Not enough coffee this morning? When this election is viewed from an historical perspective the Drill vs. No-Drill moment will be remembered as the first big turning point. Floridians and all Americans are demanding action now that gas is $4 a gallon. McCain being for drilling off-shore is supported by 67% (check with Mr.Gallup) of Americans. Obama is in a trap as are the Democrats in general and they know it.
This is a stark choice and it will become apparent as the Republicans hammer the Democrats in ads, slogans, and debates over this issue.
Lose Florida over this? You need to ask how many states Obama will lose - did somebody say Michigan?
Posted by: minnehot
| June 19, 2008 10:23 AM
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