He's trying to act like he's open to the possibility of offshore drilling. Take a look at what he told the Orlando Sentinal, emphasis mine:
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SEN. BARACK OBAMA: The only way that I would support those kinds of policies would be as part of a comprehensive plan. We’re not going to be able to drill our way out of the problem, our long term energy future depends on making this economy more energy efficient. If we got to cut some compromises with the other side that is adamant, then what I want to make sure of is that it’s based on science, it’s based on experts, and what I haven’t done yet is talk to the experts in terms of the safety and viability of having those kinds of drilling operations this close to the shore. My general attitude is that we’re going to have to have a bipartisan compromise to move something forward. I don’t think the American people can afford to wait. So I think it was a very good start, a very good effort, I commend them for moving this forward, and I think in September when Congress comes back, we should look at the possibilities of getting some of these ideas into the pipeline before the next president takes office.In other words, Obama's saying it would be just dandy if Congress passed this before he becomes president. That way he's not responsible for $10 per gallon gas. And, the compromise idea is really attractive because it's likely to be stuffed with plenty of tax-funded goodies to take cover under through November.
(Early readings of the current, bipartisan "Gang of 10" New Era energy plan is estimated to cost at least $20 billion over ten years and would make at least 85 percent of gas-running cars illegal by 2028.)
As a result of this interview, I am sure there is going to be a lot of talk of Obama's "reversal on offshore." He hasn't reversed anything. He just wants to get the issue off the table so he doesn't have to deal with it himself.
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