OK, I don't get this press release entitled Statement in Defense of Barack Obama:
ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign issued the following statement from McCain 2008 Communications Director Jill Hazelbaker in defense of Barack Obama's energy positions:
"Senator Obama's stance on offshore oil drilling has been mischaracterized. He has not changed his position. He has continually campaigned against additional drilling, calling the policy a 'gimmick' saying it was a 'scheme' and ridiculing those who support it. With his steadfast opposition to John McCain's 'all of the above' approach to our energy crisis, Americans should know that Barack Obama remains opposed to additional domestic oil drilling. ...
As far as I can tell, the page goes to great length to show:
- Obama hasn't changed his position (he didn't do the dreaded flip-flop)
- There is quote after quote where Obama explains that drilling is a scheme, including links to Obama saying this in speeches on YouTube
- It even includes this quote:
Barack Obama: "This Is A Proposal That Would Only Worsen Our Addiction To Oil." "And just like Senator McCain's gas tax holiday gimmick, this is a proposal that would only worsen our addiction to oil and put off needed investments in clean renewable energy." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Jacksonville, FL, 6/20/08)
There's nothing in the press release that suggests why drilling off shore would be a good idea, or to suggest that it isn't a scheme. And, as the title suggests, McCain appears to be coming to Barack's rescue?
How can this sort of press release be a good strategy? I suppose, if your base believes that offshore drilling is a good thing, then showing that Obama hasn't changed his mind proves a point. And yes, the article includes the sentence The American people can be sure that John McCain will do what is necessary to reduce this country's dependence on Middle East oil and bring down prices at the pump. But why lay out all of Obama's arguments and defend him, on your website and not provide any of your arguments?
This one leaves me scratching my head...
I think it just comes down to this:
ReplyDelete1. Obama is starting to go under fire for new proposed energy policies that are slightly more reflective of McCain's campaign with talks of offshore drilling options.
2. They are both going to leave all options on the table when it comes to this and not rule anything out in order to insure they don't frighten voters into voting for the other guy.
3. McCain wants to distance himself from Obama to give the illusion that their policies are miles apart so if offshore drilling is the only option, he will get the gold medal.
Politics as usual. Sorry for the rant, but I'm not buying it from either of these clowns. I know my hopes are high, but I really wish we can get some third party candidates in the debates this fall to raise some real issues.