Dadof2
Active member
keep 1 thing in mind, if the dems are smart (yes a big friggin if, as we found out in 2004) there are countless experts that will tell you that all this new drilling will do nothing to the supply for at least 15 years, thus doing nothing to the price of oil. Also, a bit of focus on new energy sources would suit the dems well. However, we are working under the assumption they wont pull a 2004, when they could have run a steak against that dingbat Bush and won.
The vast majority of US citizens want drilling now, whether or not it will make a huge difference remains to be seen. The Dems have been beating the "drilling won't effect price" drum for a while now, yet polls continue to show support for drilling to be in the 60-70% range. As prices rise I think we can expect to see the demand for drilling to rise as well.
Intuitively it makes sense that drilling for oil will reduce the price short term, as speculation plays a huge role in the price of oil these days (look at how high oil prices have shot up just based on the chance that a hurricane will interrupt production/supply. This is speculation at work). Convincing the masses that this is not the case, and that we shouldn't try will be next to impossible.
If I were a Dem strategist I would make drilling a top priority before this election, even if it risk alienating a few environmentalist. The masses are stupid enough to fall for a change of heart by the Dems in this instance.