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McCain Pander on Drilling Disappoints

His oil plan is economically daft and politically naive

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 20, 2008 8:30 AM CDT

(Newser) – It's nothing new for the Bush administration to blame environmentalists for energy shortages, writes Paul Krugman in the New York Times. As early as 2001, Dick Cheney blamed green laws rather than rapacious energy companies for the California electricity shortage. But it's disappointing that John McCain has joined the bandwagon—especially as he, unlike Barack Obama, voted against Bush's "really terrible, special-interest-driven" 2005 energy bill.

McCain's reputation as a maverick is overstated, Krugman says, but on environmental issues the Arizona senator had shown some admirable independence. All that has been washed away with his endorsement of offshore drilling, which no serious economist or scientist thinks will put a dent in gas prices. All he's done, writes the columnist, is tie himself closer still to "the most unpopular president on record."

An offshore oil installation. John McCain's endorsement of offshore drilling represents an about-face for the candidate. (AP Photo/Shell ho)

John McCain answers a question during a town hall-style meeting at the Landmark Center in Saint Paul, Minn.,Thursday, June 19, 2008. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

John McCain answers a question during a town hall-style meeting in Saint Paul, Minn.,Thursday, June 19, 2008. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.., answers an audience member's question in Springfield, Mo., Wednesday, June 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

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McCain Pander on Drilling Disappoints

His oil plan is economically daft and politically naive

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John McCain • Dick Cheney • U.S. environmental laws • oil drilling • George W. Bush • offshore oil

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Arnie Rips Would-Be Oil Drillers for 'Blowing Smoke'

'New ways to feed our addiction is not the answer,' he says of Mac-backed plan

When Good Pandering Goes Bad

Bush goes and ruins McCain's opportunism on oil, writes Collins

First Lady Leaves Hubby at Home, Stumps for GOP

President's unpopularity leaves him on the sidelines in final days

Desperate Times Call for Jump Starting Next Presidency

Here's how to dump Bush in Nov., not Jan.

Bush to Tour Post-Gustav La.

President will visit tomorrow

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McCain Pander on Drilling Disappoints

His oil plan is economically daft and politically naive

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

John McCain • Dick Cheney • U.S. environmental laws • oil drilling • George W. Bush • offshore oil

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Arnie Rips Would-Be Oil Drillers for 'Blowing Smoke'

'New ways to feed our addiction is not the answer,' he says of Mac-backed plan

When Good Pandering Goes Bad

Bush goes and ruins McCain's opportunism on oil, writes Collins

First Lady Leaves Hubby at Home, Stumps for GOP

President's unpopularity leaves him on the sidelines in final days

Desperate Times Call for Jump Starting Next Presidency

Here's how to dump Bush in Nov., not Jan.

Bush to Tour Post-Gustav La.

President will visit tomorrow

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?