John McCain is up with a new TV ad designed to capitalize on the public’s growing desire to drill for oil here at home. It’s boiled down to this simply message from the announcer: “Don’t hope for more energy, vote for it. McCain.
SEE RELATED:
The ad blames Barack Obama for opposing more drilling in the U.S., and says McCain now realizes the need for drilling here. It doesn’t mention McCain’s previous opposition to expanded offshore drilling, nor does it mention he still opposes drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Republicans have slowly been squeezing Democrats. When President Bush lifted the executive ban on expanding offshore drilling, that left the Democratic Congress as the only roadblock. That’s helped frame the debate — the only question is, with Obama refusing McCain’s offer of 10 town hall meetings, will McCain ever get the forum to drive it straight at Obama?
— Stephen Dinan, national political correspondent, The Washington Times
