Public Opinion: Barack Obama and Offshore Drilling—a Flip-Flop or Real Leadership?

Is his willingness to compromise on offshore drilling a sign of vacillation or leadership?

By U.S. News Staff

August 4, 2008 RSS Feed Print

Sen. Barack Obama said last week that he would support an energy package that included offshore drilling for oil, which he has opposed. Critics accused Obama of flip-flopping on the issue, while his allies say that he is engaging in the kind of legislative compromise that gets things done and using the sort of approach on which he has campaigned. Is Obama flip-flopping or doing what needs to be done to achieve results? Post your thoughts below.

Previously: Playing the race card: Does Barack Obama or John McCain benefit more?

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Barack Obama,
oil

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Obama and hitler both promised change when there country was in dire need of it, But hitler atleast gave the change he promised, Obama has not.

Obama calls the United State citizens that do not agree with his word a Social Terrorist, Hitler Treated Jewish people as if a grain a sand was worth more then them.

Everything obama has changed so far in this country is the oposite of what he has promised this country, and after Hitler made change in germany he used his power to take control of the german army and kill a lot of people.

Obama has over 30 Zars at his hand, just like how hitler had his secret service, and obama is using these zars of his to pass laws and other things in our country that go against our Amendments and the constitution.

Obama may have promised us change, but this change is turning out to be a change of hatred. Obama has simply a Hitler in descize, and does not want to show his true face until we have become his Natzies which is exactly what he has called us already, pay atention people Obama is nothing but a Dictator, so lets give him something to dick about people, and lets make a change as a nation, not by what he says.

Obama is not my president , but he is something to me, Obama is the wolf hiding within the red hood until he wants to show his true fur, and what he does not realize, is that his tail is sticking out and we all know what he is up to.

Patrick Spaulding of ME 10:55PM September 04, 2009

I'm glad to know that Obama was elected to become president!

I listened to a lot of Mac cain's and sarah's speeches on television and i drew the conclution that most of the things they said were complete nonsense! Specially Sarah's speeches! I don't know what is wrong with that woman, but her speeches were stupid, let's face it!

Although there is something that worries me about Obama, I heard that he is going to make taxes higher on the rich to help the poor. I'm sorry to say this but that's communism!

the so called "rich people" give jobs to our people! to our middle and lower class.

well I just hope that everything works out well

German E Cubero of FL 12:37AM December 24, 2008

Obama's comment and position on off-shore drilling have been reduced to the point of being simplistic. Effectively, he said that implementing a comprehensive energy program is critical to the country. Such a plan has many elements - conservations, alternate energy particularly wind and solar, more domestic production of natural gas. He then noted that if others [Republicans] would block these components if the plan did not include more off-shore drilling, he agreed to consider it. He also noted the off-shore drilling should be limited and subject to careful protection of the environment.

This approach embodies the constructive and inclusive vision that Obama continues to encourage for America. His inclination, indeed passion, for being thoughtful, respectful and focused on results makes it tough for those on either extreme. But that passion also makes it possible that our country can restore its promise to its people and in the world. Sound bites and attacks on individuals and their character [like some of the notes above] probably won't generate the change we need.

Einstein said it well: "things should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler".

DJ Crane of KY 2:39PM September 01, 2008

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