How Obama can rise in the polls

[LuckyTheDog]

Obama is still ahead, but has slipped in the polls. I think the main reason for this has been that he is not seen as taking the lead on the energy/gas price issue. I am posting this again because I honestly think this strategy would win Obama 5-10 points in the polls:

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Domestic oil drilling: I say call their bluff

The Democrats are missing an opportunity here to look offer the kind of compromise the American people are looking for.

OF COURSE the GOP is playing games when they tell people that domestic drilling can give them lower fuel prices. That’s especially true when they imply that those lower fuel costs would come soon.

But that said, we need to call their bluff here. In doing so, we might actually get something done.

Democrats should tell the Republicans that they are willing to talk about LIMITED off-shore drilling far from shore (say, 75-100 miles out) but only under certain conditions. Here are some of the conditions we could ask for:

-- Tough energy efficiency standards for lighting and appliances.
-- Higher CAFE standards for cars.
-- Mandates requiring utility companies to generate a percentage of their power from renewable sources.
-- New tax credits for energy-efficient vehicles and tax penalties gas hogs.
-- Tougher environmental standards for oil drilling in the U.S.
-- Funding for a massive program to develop alternative energy sources and the infrastructure to deliver them.

If the GOP balks at a compromise along these lines, the fault ill lie with them. If they accept, then we’d be in a position to be pretty tough when them in terms of getting the kind of energy policy we want.

Either way, Democrats would benefit from having taken the high road.

[paparush]

1. But but but..what about taking care of billionaire oil execs? your plan does NOTHING for them

:sarcasm:

[LuckyTheDog]

2. I'll agree

to sending all of them a $600 check. That'll stimulate the economy, right?

[dempartisan23]

3. dems should support drilling

but your plan is going to raise prices quite a bit for poor people who cant afford it.

[LuckyTheDog]

4. Oh, that is nonsense

Energy independence will help the poor. And reducing the demand for gasoline would only reduce the price.

[dempartisan23]

5. wrong

that plan will raise energy prices considerably and if cap and trade is adopted energy prices will go through the roof. the poor will be hit hard.

[LuckyTheDog]

6. You sound like a McCain supporter

Are you? If so, please piss off. If not, then could you please provide ONE positive idea?

[lonestarnot]

12. Yeah ugh hugh sure.

:rofl:

[ElsewheresDaughter]

16. BS!

[Motown_Johnny]

7. the one condition should be... we will allow drilling that increases production so our refineries

run at 100% (fyi our refineries already run at nearly 100%)



There can be no reason to drill beyond that.. what good is it to the consumer to have oil drilled that can't be refined for their use?


Don't just call their bluff, call them out on their bull shit

[LuckyTheDog]

9. Yes

The point here is that we need to remain on the offensive on this issue -- and all the others.

[anonymous171]

8. He and his surrogates should start touting his tax cut plans for the middle class.

[LuckyTheDog]

10. Tax cuts for 95%

That should be in EVERY speech and on all the talk shows.

[anonymous171]

11. Yep. Repeat it as often as possible.

[Motown_Johnny]

13. Agreed, but a long list of talking points isn't the way to go (IMO)

If you bullet point one statement people may remember it.


something like......


"As President I will allow domestic drilling that ensures our refineries run at 100% of capacity"

Then follow it up with


"This can be done without needlessly endangering our citizens or our environment"



(Clearly I am no speech writer)



Edit.. this should have linked to your post #9

[depakid]

14. If Obama told the truth on energy, he'd go down to defeat in a landslide

This is one area where unfortunately he actually does have to pander to end up doing anything remotely positive.

[Teaser]

15. He hasn't slipped in the polls

No matter how many times the concept of sample noise is explained to people here, they still can't get it.

[book_worm]

17. Get used to it--the polls are going to be up and down. In the end change will win (Obama)

We can't worry about temporary fluxes in the polls.

[barack the house]

18. I feel only a 60 seat majority will make them tough with Republicans....

Good ideas though.