The Thing about Gas Prices

Okay, its like this. Today, whenever anyone mentions higher gas prices, a shill for the administration or the McCain campaign (that means any Republican talking head) goes into this lengthy rant about how oil prices are the result of market speculation and increased usage in India and China. In the process they give no weight to the effects of a prolonged middle east war that has not yeilded the increases in production and availability of oil to the world market that was promised at the outset of the Iraqi invasion ( does anyone remember the claims that il revenues would pay for the war and reconstruction?). The war has a direct influence on market speculation.

The right also ignores the obvious and continuing opportunity that our congress has to close the market speculators loophole (Enron Loophole) that allows energy companies to make money off speculation.

In the 2000 election, GW Bush and Dick Cheney criticized the Clinton Administration for its refusal to open the strategic reserves to the US market in order to provide summer relief from - what they called 'ridiculously high'- gas prices of about $1.70/gallon. Yet today, their administration refuses to even consider suspending new deposits into reserve each week.
If $1.70 a gallon was ridiculously high- what is $4/gal? Why do they refuse to do what they challenged Bill Clinton to do in 2000?

But hypocracy is not a trait held exclusively on the right. The lefties in congress could do better too.

Suppose Congress got together today with a bill to return the national speed limit to 55 mph. They could use the same rationale offered when this was done by Nixon in the 70's (environmental concerns- increased mpg/vehicle by changing behavior). I would also add a stiff penalty for violators and use that money for federal road improvement.

Next Congress should work aggressively to pass a bill to close the Enron Loophole- granted it would be vetoed by the Oilman, but it would cause both sides to show their hands.

Tax incentives should be extended for alternative fuel vehicle and hybrid purchase. Similar incentives should be offered for the development of same- including development of any passenger vehicle that can demonstrate mpg on the + side of 50 mpg in real world conditions.

And- as long as we are dreaming- suppose Congress pretended that they actually exist to govern and not simply to get reelected. Might they then actually work together to find solutions to our problems- particularly in matters like reduction of oil dependency.

If the likes of Joe Scarborrough can say that Jimmy Carter was right on this issue- wouldn't you think our elected officials could pretend they share a common purpose?

Tom Brokaw -Temporary Moderator for Meet the Press

Earlier this week NBC announced that retired News Anchor- Tom Brokaw would fill in as Temporary Moderator for Meet the Press through the elections later this year.

I had predicted this move. Brokaw is the only person in the whole NBC organization that has the instant gravitas to pull this off- if indeed it can be done at all. He also has the unique ability to Honor Russert without getting overly maudlin.

I have a hard time imagining this show will ever be the same- and perhaps in should evolve. However, Tom Brokaw will be an excellent steward of the program Russert himself called ' a sacred trust.'

Media takes on McCain's take on Obama's policies

This tells us that- at least on the McCain side- we are going to continue to see politics as usual.

Tim Russert- suddenly dead at 58 years old-

Political Junkies are feeling exactly what I am now. Coverage of Washington will never be the same. See the link for the story that is unfolding as I post this message.

There is still a sniff of something in the air...

which requires everything offered here to carry a huge caveat. But as long as the conversation is turning toward Vice presidential candidates I am going to offer, as I did yesterday, the opinion that Obama serves his needs -approaching the general election by staying on point regarding his message of change. This lends itself to choosing a Washington outsider.

The first level of outsiders to be considered would be Democratic Governors- each bringing exectutive experience and basic electoral benefits based on his or her state and qualifications.

There are 26 Democratic Governors currently serving. I do not know any of the personalities involved, so this analysis is based solely on advantages each brings to the electoral map.

I have narrowed it down to five potential VP nominees. They are listed here in no particular order.

Janet Napolotano is the sitting governor of Arizona- a red state. She was ranked by time Magazine in 2005 as one of the 'top 8 in '08', a group of women who could run and win- based on qualifications- for president in 2008. She is serving her second term in a traditionally red state. This pick would be bold as it would bring the electoral fight right to McCain's doorstep. 10 electors in her home state.

Kathleen Sabelius- Governor of Kansas- a red state- gave Democratic response to 2008 State of the Union Address. Sabelius is also regarded as a well qualified future presidential candidate- the VP spot could gain her name recognition. While Kansas itself has only 6 electors there could be carryover in the midwest as well as in other red states.

Bill Richardson of New Mexico, second term Governor of New Mexico- a red state. While this state only carries 5 electors there are carryover advantages for appeal to the hispanic community and for other westewern states. He has national experience as an ambassador under Bill Clinton. There would be some appeal to Catholic voters.

Edward Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania- a swing state. He was considered a potential candidate in his own right. He has been a vocal advocate for Hillary and has campaigned on her behalf. He has broad appeal in his own state and that could carry over into other blue collar states. 21 electors cannot be ignored.

Ted Strickland of Ohio- a swing state. Very popular in his own state he also would have some appeal to Clinton supporters. He is on 'everyone's' shortlist for many of the same reasons as Rendell. It is believed that Rendell has a stronger 'machine' behind him. Ohio carries 20 electors.

If these were the only five candidates he could consider- we would be in a good place.

Jennfier Granholm of Michigan is also very popular and was attractive to me until I discovered that she is Canadian born and as such ineligible. She is widely considered to be a potential Attorney General for any Democratic administration.

I want to let these digest but will commetn more later. Also for consideration are other non-washington types- there are a few of those which I will add to the list.

Finally?

It seems today that the final contests of the primary season will be decisive about the Democratic nominee. See the attached story by MSNBC for details about delegate counts for Barack Obama.

The question that remains is "What to do about Hillary?" She express 'willingness' to be a VP candidate, but does she really want it? She might bring a connectness to her supporters but there is no solid evidence of that. It is also not clear that she adds anything ideologically to the ticket that would not also have some possible negative backlash.

I believe that Obama ticket would benefit from an 'outsider' with executive experience (a governor). I also think that the governors on the Democratic side offer some interesting choices.

I am working on a blog about that at a future date.