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Watch Out Florida: Obama Signals Support for Offshore Oil Drilling

By Deb Cupples on August 3, 2008 at 5:30 PM in Barack Obama, Gas Prices, Off-Shore Drilling

In June, presidential candidate Barack Obama said that he opposed drilling for oil off the U.S. coastline, explaining that 1) it would take 10 years to produce any oil at all, and 2) that said oil would not do much to lower gas prices anyway because our nation consumes such a high percentage of the world’s oil. (The Hill)

Yesterday, the St. Petersburg Times reported that Sen. Obama has "softened" his stance on offshore drilling:

"Long an opponent of offshore drilling, Sen. Barack Obama offered
encouraging words for a bipartisan energy plan that would permit oil
drilling within 50 miles of Florida’s west coast.

"In an interview with the St. Petersburg Times and Bay News 9′s Political Connections this morning, Obama commended the self-styled "Gang of 10" senators who earlier in the day introduced a broad energy bill that also would funnel billions into developing renewable sources.

"’My attitude is that we can find some sort of compromise,’ Obama told the Times shortly after talking with voters at Gibbs High School. ‘If it is part of an overarching package, then I am not going to be rigid in preventing an energy package that goes forward that is really thoughtful and is going to really solve the problem.’" (St. Pete Times)

There’s that word again: compromise.  It’s a reasonable-sounding word, but compromise can have pretty deleterious effects. Is offshore drilling an issue about which we should compromise?

Many of us Americans eat food from the sea: fish and shrimp and lobster (well, I don’t eat lobster, because I really dislike the taste, but I adore scallops).  And hundreds of miles of our coastlines serve as tourist destinations — which pump money into many state and local economies precisely because of the quality of their beaches.

All it would take are a few accidents (like oil spills) to taint the food and scenery, which certainly could cause a drag on multiple industries.  Given that we wouldn’t see any results from drilling for 10 years (according to Sen. Obama’s statement in June), are the risks to our nation’s coastlines worth the meager and long-delayed results of offshore drilling?

I don’t know the answer, but I think it’s a fair question.

Interestingly enough, the St. Pete Times implied that Sen. Obama has not formally embraced the offshore-drilling plan. It seems safe to say that he does support it — given that he said "I am not going to be rigid" about it.

You can’t get a little bit pregnant: either Sen. Obama is willing to allow offshore drilling or he isn’t. Subtle phrasing can cause voters to misunderstand where he really stands on issues.

I can’t help remembering Obama’s stated opposition back in January and March to retroactive immunity for telecom companies (Telecom Amnesty) that helped the Bush Administration illegally spy on Americans.  In June, Obama’s stance morphed into qualified support for a House bill that included Telecom Amnesty, which Obama ended up voting for when it came to the Senate.

Similarly, I can’t help remembering Obama’s clear statements opposing NAFTA in March, stating that he would use the treaty’s opt-out clause as a "hammer" to force re-negotiation of the treaty so as to benefit American workers who’d lost their jobs.  In May, after Obama won the primaries, he made a clear statement that he really doesn’t want to force re-negotiation of NAFTA.

Incidentally, if the drilling plan is passed, Florida would not have a choice: the drilling would happen, according to the St. Pete Times, because the Gulf of Mexico is thought to be oil rich. 

Other coastal states would have a choice about whether or not drilling occurred off their shores (Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia). 

  • Anon 1

    This is my problem with Barack Obama. He changes his positions when it is politicaly expedient. JM change his position on this issue when it was unpopular to change. Obama is changing, because it is popular to change.

    David Axelrod is shamelessly turnign Obama into his little marketing puppet. That’s why they hated HRC. She was a leader not a follower or a manipulator.

    Obama is too indecisive to lead AMerica in this time of economic and energy crisis.

    • BobBlackman

      You lot were demanding off shore drilling the other day and blaming Obama for high oil prices?

      The compromise is to ensure that the US reduces dependence on oil, not just foreign oil. In other words we get a President who cares about the Environment and will work to achieve progress on that.

      • Ferdberfle

        Is that so? Funny how he came up with the idea AFTER it was already out in the public arena.

        That blurb of yours and a buck will get you a cheap cup of coffee. You need more Obamatron training, plebe.

        • BobBlackman

          No he continues to argue that offshore drilling is not the answer and opposes the McCain position of destroying the US coastline.

          The real answer is ending dependence on oil – not just foreign oil. As any true Democrat understands.

          • Katmoon

            No longer a democrat. So clearly I don’t have that understanding. What I do have is comprehension and the ability to process my thoughts independently , thus,I don’t have to be “told” what any “true”_______(fill in the blank) means. I am capable of thinking for myself, without labeling or insinuating others don’t understand. Understanding is not synonymous with agreement.

          • TeakwoodKite

            The real answer is ending dependence.
            Period.

          • Ferdberfle

            But he has agreed to it (offshore drilling) and that is the point, which goes against what he said before. Had he been honest up front, this would not be an issue. He changes direction at the drop of a hat (or poll point). He is just another politician–so much for change. Oh, and you need more briefings from the bot of the day before you attempt any more spin.

          • MEchelle Hates America!

            Huh? So Oblowme says McCain’s plan is bad, but his, which he ripped off from McCain, is good.

            “And the Lord said it was good”, but only if it’s his – even if they’re the same.

            Do you even bother to read or think about the crap that you spew for a single second?

            It’s non-sensical.

            I hate to break it to ya, but Oblowme ain’t magical, just fanciful.

            Grow up! Use your brain if you have one.

      • hank48188

        I don’t have a problem with people using oil, but I do have a problem with all the CASH we send to other countries for it. We need AMERICAN ENERGY, all types, wind, solar, nukes and more drilling for oil and gas in AMERICA. Our country is going broke because of our negative balance of payments.

    • Dawnelle Leona del Puma

      big sigh! (shaking my head)

      :-/

  • Obama is a bum

    Too bad Obama only has air in his head and not oil. His head is so big with so many holes in it already that if he did have oil in it are energy problems would be solved.

  • http://bucknakedpolitics.typepad.com/buck_naked_politics/ Deb Cupples

    Anon,

    You said: “David Axelrod is shamelessly turnign Obama into his little marketing puppet. ”

    I couldn’t have put it better.

  • james andrews

    If he stays behind in Florida his next step will be to endorse the invasion of Cuba. Bay of Pigs II. He needs to Cuban vote after throwing the Jewish vote under the bus. What’s next. It will depend on the polls. He stated he isn’t changing his position on drilling, he was always willing to drill as long as it includes Billions of income for his pet projects to power the earth with Hope

    • Clinton Fan

      He’s already flipflopped on talking to Castro–he was for it before he was against it! That’ll make a great McCain ad in Florida! And if McCain picks Cantor as his running mate, Barack can say goodbye to FL and probably NY, too.

      It’s like all those stupid stoners who didn’t get the word…he was for legalization of cannabis before he was suddenly, against it! They’re convinced he “doesn’t MEAN it.”

      These morons think he’ll get into office and say, with that idiot Ludacris playing in the background… “AH HA–I was only fooling!! Legalize it!”

      They don’t get how government works. Presidents do not make laws. CONGRESS does. They aren’t passing it, and if they do, he ain’t signing it. McCain would probably leave it to the states before Obama did anything on that score…but I wouldn’t get the bongs out for either one!

  • http://edgeoforever.wordpress.com/ NotYoursweetie

    Also, now that he “clinched” it, Fla delegates can have full votes! And some of the Mi
    http://edgeoforever.wordpress.com/2008/08/03/adding-insult-to-injury-now-mi-fla-can-be-counted/

    • Chicago Joe

      Notyoursweetie:
      Love that picture and caption of the Church Lady on your blog! Obama should use that as his campaign slogan. “How convenient!” I will leave it to the blog readers to fill in the blanks about who is influencing the ChangeMaster.

  • Grail Guardian

    I think, therefore I waffle.

    I’ve met people before that are talented at debating any side of an argument, but this guy is just ridiculous. And to assume that he could possibly be qualified to lead the free world is preposterous.

    • Ferdberfle

      Or “I waffle, therefore I am”.

    • hank48188

      Obama is damaged from being abandoned by both parents, it made him a “People Pleaser” and that is why he takes both sides of every issue, it makes everyone happy. He wants the job of DECIDER but is unable to decide about anything. He said his children couldn’t meet the Press, but then he changed his mind and exploited the kids on “Access Hollywood”. The next day he said he made a error and it wouldn’t happen again, WOW. Obama couldn’t vote on the Senate Resolution condemning MoveOn.org for their Gen. Betrayus Ad, he was IN THE BUILDING but the decision was too tough for Barry, It was a NON-BINDING RESOLUTION, take a stand you pussy!

  • Obama is a bum

    I just listened to a song that would apply to Obama.

    LIES

    Lies, lies, you’re tellin’ me that you’ll be true
    Lies, lies
    That’s all I ever hear from you
    Tears, tears
    I shed a million tears listening to you
    Tears, tears
    And now you’re tellin’ something new
    Someday I’m gonna be happy
    But I don’t know when just now
    Lies, lies
    A-breakin’ my heart
    You think that you’re such a smart man
    And I don’t believe what you say
    But who do you think you are, man
    To lead me on this way, hey
    Lies, lies
    I can’t believe a word you say
    Lies, lies
    Are gonna make you sad someday
    Some day you’re gonna be lonely
    But you won’t find me around

  • http://OTliesvideo Lyn

    OT but need to pass on
    please share the right URL and let poeple know about this http://thedenvergroup.blogspot.com/
    Imitation might be the sincerest form of flattery but spoofing isnt. Someone has set up a spoof site of the Denver Group, calling itself The Denver Group but dropping the “the” from the web address setting up a bogus site on Blogspot. Given that we are involved in the Presidential election and that our activities are governed by the FEC, as is our fundraising, this is not a harmless prank and we are going to take appropriate action. We have notified Blogspot and have also notified our attorneys.

    In the meantime while the imitation isn’t flattering knowing that thanks to your contributions we are making a lot of people nervous enough to want to spoof us, is in it’s own way flattering. It tells us we are getting through, we are doing our job, we are having an important effect and maybe we have some people running scared. The more contributions we get the more nervous we’re going to make them.

    • Katmoon

      Spoofing isn’t a harmless prank, it’s considered a federal fraud, and carries some serious financial penalties as well as prison time. People are so foolish doing this sort of thing. I just hope the Denver Group doesn’t end up losing contributions because of it. Thanks Lyn, appreciate you passing the information on.

  • Curtis

    No, watch out, California! The people in Florida support offshore drilling a lot more than Californians.

  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HIavxnUHls dgr

    Another Day…
    Some more polls…
    gumby pretzel time
    with some skeeziness thrown in along with a huge dose of cynicism.

    Ah… Chicago, The Brand, and Axelrove, the new paradigm.

  • TeakwoodKite

    Deb Cupples, Why is it BO is willing to comprimise with Rebuplicans and not Democrats?

    With all these flip flopperies on his snake oil wagon, the Democrats is who he is strong arming. Watching Pelosi today on the talking heads, it was she was swallowing golf balls and had to revert to “I am saving the planet”….

    The whole “softening” (read political Snuggle in the dryer) thing is just like BO let his kids listen to the crap rap.

    The stark facts are the Oil companies will never sell the Oil back to American pipelines, India and China will soak up the supply and the cost will be held high.

    With all the dollars China has, they can shove this down our throats for the next 20 years. Until all the petro-dollars are returning to the US we are screwed.

    Oil companies are akin to the railroads of the 1800′s. Checkerboard leases that account for “assest”. These they claim but we clean up the mess.

    And I am sorry ya don’t like Lobsters. MMM…MMMM!!

    BO is a Mock Turtle.

    Then the Queen left off, quite out of breath, and said to Alice, “Have you seen the Mock Turtle yet?”
    “No,” said Alice. “I don’t even know what a Mock Turtle is.”
    “It’s the thing Mock Turtle Soup is made from,” said the Queen.

    • http://bucknakedpolitics.typepad.com/buck_naked_politics/ Deb Cupples

      I have no idea why he is “compromising” with Rs but not Ds.

  • jimbo

    Let’s inject a little realism into the discussion. This little flop will open up the gushers of big energy money into the campaign. obama’s desperate plea for money sent to me last week (I returned it with copious references to PUMA on the envelope) tells me he has to seek new sources of finance. He’s sold us out, become just another repugly piece of crap.

    • Ferdberfle

      You are right on the money, so to speak. He is nothing more than a sleazy politician with graft on his mind.

    • TeakwoodKite

      jimbo; I agree, a Mock Turtle he is.

      If BO supporters think the last vestiges of “principle” he had remain with this one, then they are lost to humanity.

      With profits of Oil at historic highs, that is a lot of money sloshing around K St. What is it the Dem’s are most concerned with? $$$ Who has it? Jethro does.

      What is worth more to an Oil company with record profits? More leases or more money? Mark my words, Congress will not mandate any percentage of Capital investment to increase drilling capacity or any percentage of the resource for exclusive.

      The Oil companies and OPEC/Non-aligned oil producers have a desire to suppress alternative and diversified energy development to stall for power.
      What else can make 50 rethugs have a ho-down in the house chambers when the lights have been shut off?

      On the flip side the Dems took the last plane out for Pro-forma vacations to let the Oil folks know they need to pay up. Dems arrive in their districts to a nice donation from Olive Oil.

      OIL = Obama is losing.

  • Tess

    I think I just read that BLACKWATER did Obama’s security in IRAQ? Gotta be wrong: he’s against it/them? This week? You know, on his best days, he’s an empty suit. Worst days: just a Chicago thug.

    CHANGE YOU BETTER BE READY FOR.

    PUMA

    • TeakwoodKite

      Tess Link?

      Those guys on the tarmac and two other clips I saw looked like “private” security.
      What percentage of “retired” special forces personal are working for “private” security companies?

      Will Cofer Black now upstage the DNI?

      And would BO know about this topic or care?

      • http://OTliesvideo Lyn

        http://www.usnews.com/blogs/washington-whispers/2008/7/25/blackwater-got-the-gig-securing-obama-in-afghanistan.html
        But Whispers confirms that Blackwater did handle the Democratic presidential candidate’s security in Afghanistan and helped out in Iraq. What’s more, Obama was overheard saying: “Blackwater is getting a bad rap.”

        Don’t forget in Feb “A senior foreign policy adviser to leading Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has told The Nation that if elected Obama will not “rule out” using private security companies like Blackwater Worldwide in Iraq. The adviser also said that Obama does not plan to sign on to legislation that seeks to ban the use of these forces in US war zones by January 2009, when a new President will be sworn in”
        http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080317/scahill

  • wodiej

    In 10 years we could have alot more advances of renewable energy. Gas prices are skyrocketing and people are determined to drive those great big huge gas sucking trucks and SUV’s. Often those are the very ones speeding and doing other things that suck more gas. Renewable energy is already out there, I see more and more wind turbines, hybrid vehicles etc. There is no reason in 10 years that we could not significantly reduce our dependence on oil which would make us less reliant on the Middle East and curb further damage to our envirnoment. Unpopular as that may be, that is how I feel.

    • ritamary

      wodiej I agree with you completely. We cannot drill our way out of this problem. Politicians of both parties are in the pocket of big oil. They have prevented change to alternative energy sources and development of better public transportation systems.

      Here in California Arnie the Governator grabbed billions of dollars dedicated to public transportation funds in order to balance his budget. In Republican controlled San Diego County, bus service is being cut back and drivers let go!

  • Babs

    I would say that Obama lacks the courage of his convictions, but that would be wrong, as I don’t think he had any convictions to start with! I see no passion in him, no real empathy, nothing but facade and hype. Empty suit? Oh, yeah. But I also see an empty soul.

  • wodiej

    This is just another glimpse of the real BO

    • Ferdberfle

      A glimpse guaranteed to make your go crackers. Oops.

  • Sassy

    I would like to have some “patriots” at least analyze the potential amounts of oil that we have off-shore. I’m not a business person, but even small yields could have an impact…possible allowing use from the strategic reserve and then replace it. Louisiana has certainly carried their share of the supply burden, possibly other states would also.

  • Wisewoman

    While I don’t have an opinion on offshore drilling, I have a MS in chemistry and I know that practically everything except wood and cotton products comprise oil. For example all the plastic products in your homes, cars and workplaces are made from oil. The oil is refined into plastic material like polyethylene, acrylic, etc. Even the wood and cotton products need energy sources (mainly oil) to be manufactured into usable products. Oil is used for transportation, farming, electricity generation, etc. Without oil we are in deep dodo. Sometimes I wonder does Obama adequately understand this issue.

  • catherine

    Obama flip flops constantly because he is just beginning to study the issues. Hillary has years of study and know how behind her. “Yes We Can” is no substitute for hard work, experience, and background knowledge. The Obama supporters are obviously clueless as to what good leadership involves. They are looking for a “God” in their president, not an effective and experienced problem solving adult and negotiator. It is pathetic what the DNC has done.

  • katana

    Breaking News: Identity Discovered on Birth Certificate, NOT Obama’s name

    Obama is TOAST!!!

    The smoking gun has been found on his birth certificate!!!

    Check out:

    http://texasdarlin.wordpress.com/

  • http://www.patriotroom.com Bill Dupray

    New York Times Tells a Whopper: “McCain Joins Obama on Offshore Drilling”

    So, let’s see if I have this straight. Obama opposes offshore drilling on Wednesday, supports it Friday, The Times conveys title to the drilling issue to Obama on Saturday, and at no time does Obama acknowledge he changed his position at all.

    Love this guy.

    http://patriotroom.com/?p=772

  • http://dianej.wordpress.com DianeJ

    See and watch SH Obama say he is not for offshore drilling and why (JUNE 2008). Obama will say anything to get a vote. This clearly is his pattern.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlbKVeOsFIc

  • Pingback: Obama: Where does he stand? There is something seriously wrong with Senator Obama. « Dianej’s Weblog

  • http://ontheseventhday.wordpress.com/ Al

    Drill baby, Drill…

    Al

    http://ontheseventhday.wordpress.com/