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Obama Attempts to Explain Shift on Offshore Drilling
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ShareAugust 02, 2008 12:31 PM
ABC News' Sunlen Miller reports: Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., fought back against the perception that he’s shifted away from his opposition to off-shore oil drilling by suggesting he softened his position as a compromise toward a broader energy policy.
Obama first indicated Friday in an interview with the Palm Beach Post that he would be willing to compromise on his opposition to off-shore drilling, and would consider expanding the current drilling boundaries -- if it was part of a plan to make the country more energy independent by developing more fuel-efficient cars and alternative energy sources.
Today, at a press availability in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Obama said that his comments weren’t a shift.
“This wasn’t really a new position. What I’m saying is that we can’t drill our way out of the problem,” he told reporters. “And if we can come up with a genuine bi-partisan compromise in which I have to accept some things I don’t like, or the Democrats have to accept some things that they don’t like, in exchange for actually moving us in the direction of energy independence, then that is something I am open to.”
On Friday, the bi-partisan “Gang of 10” group of senators unveiled a compromise energy plan that would include opening areas of the Gulf of Mexico and southeast Atlantic to drilling –- in addition to raising taxes on major oil companies. Part of the plan also includes oil exploration 50 miles off of Florida’s coastline –- a state that is an important battleground in the general election.
Obama said that while he hasn’t seen the Gang of 10’s final legislation, he understood it has some aggressive elements that could move America in the direction of energy independence.
“I think is a positive step, so there are a whole bunch of good things that have been proposed by this bi-partisan group," Obama said. "I remain skeptical of some of the drilling provisions, but I will give them credit that the way they crafted the drilling positions are about as careful and responsible as you might expect for a drilling agenda.”
Obama said while he is opening the door to a compromise, he will not support a plan that suggests drilling is the answer to the nation’s energy problems.
Obama’s softening of his position will likely play into the hands of the McCain campaign, which has been framing Obama as “Dr. No” on energy issues.
Today, the McCain campaign suggested Obama still has farther to move on the issue of offshore drilling.
“It’s clear that members of both parties are following John McCain's leadership toward an ‘all of the above’ approach on energy that includes nuclear, alternative energy and off shore drilling," said Tucker Bounds, a McCain spokesman. "We hope Barack Obama will realize that his ongoing opposition to John McCain’s realistic energy solutions and additional offshore drilling is wrong.”
Obama said that in the end the shift on offshore drilling shouldn’t be a political one.
“What I’m interested [in], ultimately, is going to be governing," he said. "And what that means is that we’re going to try to get things done. ... At some point, people are going to have to make decisions: Are we going to keep on arguing or are we going to get some things done?”
August 2, 2008 in Kucinich, Dennis | Permalink | User Comments (139)
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I just think that Obama is being pratical.
If there is an energy bill in which Dems and Repubs can compromise with that includes what he has proposed to get us off oil such as increased mileage in cars, hybrid cars, windfall oil taxes for research, etc, he would be willing to accept some limited off-shore drilling.
I don't have a problem with that.
The art of compromise.
Posted by: Sandy | Aug 2, 2008 12:43:27 PM
I think this is a brilliant move. He is taking away the one econimic issue that has been gaining traction for Republicans.
If they no longer have that, then what are they left with? Complaining about higher taxes for oil companies? That's a real winner.
And the political damage from shifting positions would be minimal since McCain shifted also.
Man, this guy is smart. He may be a "rock star", but he is a pretty good politician.
Posted by: awmahn | Aug 2, 2008 12:45:48 PM
Unlike the writer who says that Obama's shift plays into McCain's hands, I think the opposite.
Obama has just taken an issue off the table. Also, it shows that he is willing to compromise to get ACTION in Washington to attend to people's problems rather deadlock.
It is interesting that many on the left agree with Obama on this.
Posted by: Sandy | Aug 2, 2008 12:46:01 PM
Obama is right its about time the dems and repubs compromise to come to an agreement on our energry crisis and obama says he is willing to compromise thats great he is willing to work across the aisle as potus to do whats right for us GREAT PRESIDENT HE WILL BE !!!!
Posted by: ANGIE | Aug 2, 2008 12:47:17 PM
What in the heck does this guy stand for?
Posted by: Paul | Aug 2, 2008 12:47:47 PM
I agree with Awmahn.
It is a brilliant move. The one issue that the Repubs have that they could campaign on is off the table now.
Now Obama can continue to campaign to increase jobs, improve healthcare, social security stability, etc.
Posted by: Sandy | Aug 2, 2008 12:48:09 PM
I don't think it is an attempt to explain a shift. I think what he said was that they may need to compromise if they wanted to get things done.
When was the last time you heard that? McCain is going to slam him for working across the isle?
I agree though that off shore drilling will amount to nothing, we are better served by coming to terms with the need to shift to alternatives, for a number of reasons, including cost, availability, and environmental concerns connected with oil.
Posted by: Thinking | Aug 2, 2008 12:50:07 PM
This guy is frightening. He is so new to the political scene and he has already flip-flopped on almost every issue of substance. What does he stand for? Obviously even he doesn't know.
A Democrat who is paying attention.
Posted by: Paul | Aug 2, 2008 12:50:23 PM
I read this to say that President Obama wouldn't veto such legislation and Senator Obama would not show up to vote on such legislation
Posted by: TheNumantine | Aug 2, 2008 12:51:42 PM
Wow, he's a genius. Why didn't I think of this??
Posted by: Alan | Aug 2, 2008 12:54:53 PM
Who is Obama? What does he stand for? Where is his experience? Why on earth should he be president?
Dem for McCain
Posted by: Susan | Aug 2, 2008 12:57:17 PM
Zack,
Both Obama and McCain have flipped on off-shore drilling. McCain did it in June and Obama has done it in August.
McCain has also flipped on the Iraq War from wanting to stay there for 100 years to now getting closer to Obama's proposal of a 16 month timetable.
I just think that both Obama and McCain are being practical.
It's callled compromising.
Posted by: Sandy | Aug 2, 2008 1:02:40 PM
Sandy,
I have to disagree. Obama has zero political experience. He had only been in the senate for 1 year when he ran for office. If he his flip-flopping all over the place why would anyone feel comfortable voting for him? What would they be voting for? his stardom?
NO socialites in the White House!
Democrat for McCain!
Posted by: Zack | Aug 2, 2008 1:08:00 PM
Obama - find out what the polls are saying and then take the popular position. Next, explain away your prior stance. Word if carefully so your followers don't detect yet another change.
This is NOT the Obama that won the primaries.
Posted by: Truman | Aug 2, 2008 1:11:52 PM
Anyone who thinks this plays well for McCain listens to too many sound-bites.
Posted by: Daniel, Louisiana | Aug 2, 2008 1:15:13 PM
See this for what it is. It is Obama trying to have it both ways.
He changed his mind because he was starting to hurt in the polls, and the great majority of Americans support off-shore drilling. At the same time, he doesn't want to turn away environmentalists, like Gore, who greatly oppose this.
So basically, he comes up with: I support it in the name of compromise, not in spirit.
In reality, he shifted SOLELEY because his popularity has started to wane as a result of impractical policy.
If you can't see this clear as day, you need to check yourself into a mental institution.
Posted by: JA | Aug 2, 2008 1:19:55 PM
Uh, so compromise is now bad? He said clearly he didn't think offshore drilling will help, but how else do you expect the Dems to get anything done when they only have a narrow majority? Vote for more Dems in Congress and you won't see as much compromise with Republicans, simple as that ;-)
Posted by: jesse | Aug 2, 2008 1:21:49 PM
wow, obama is actually saying he may need to actually "compromise" on the issues??!! this guy is brilliant!!!
Posted by: tim | Aug 2, 2008 1:25:28 PM
Obama promises a lot but is short on details unless he's firmly pressed to do so. Then, we discover he's cloning himself after McCain.
Posted by: Truman | Aug 2, 2008 1:26:20 PM
jesse...
vote for more dems in congress and you will see continued higher gas prices. simple as that.
Posted by: tim | Aug 2, 2008 1:26:49 PM
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