Obama To Hammer McCain On Offshore Drilling "Gimmick"

By: Maria Gavrilovic
Topics: Barack Obama

(CBS)

From CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic:

(LAS VEGAS) Offshore drilling continues to be a major sticking point between Barack Obama and John McCain, and the two candidates are still jabbing at each other's position for the second week. Obama, who has argued that drilling will not immediately lower gas prices, is expected today to condemn McCain's recent comments about the "psychological" benefits of offshore drilling.

At a campaign stop in Fresno yesterday, McCain said, "I don't see an immediate relief, but I do see that exploitation of existing reserves that may exist, and in view of many experts that do exist off our coasts, is also a way that we need to provide relief. Even though it may take some years, the fact that we are exploiting those reserves would have psychological impact that I think is beneficial."

Obama, who wants to keep a moratorium on offshore drilling, will argue that McCain is offering a "gimmick" similar to the gas tax holiday proposal. Obama opposes the gas tax holiday that McCain supports, arguing the Arizona senator's proposal could cripple highway funding while offering minimal relief at the gas pump.

Obama will discuss his energy plan, which includes the promotion of "green jobs," at Springs Preserve in Las Vegas later today. The Springs Preserve is an historical site which showcases energy efficient buildings.

UPDATE:

In Las Vegas this afternoon, Obama slammed McCain's energy proposals, arguing that they are "gimmicks" that may poll well but do not provide immediate relief. Obama said that he supports McCain's $300 million battery prize but that alone would not be enough. "When John F. Kennedy decided that we were going to put a man on the moon, he didn't put a bounty out for some rocket scientist to win – he put the full resources of the United States government behind the project and called on the ingenuity and innovation of the American people," Obama said.

Obama admitted that his own plan will not immediately affect gas prices but said his proposal for a second stimulus package will offer overall financial relief. "I wish I could wave a magic wand and make gas prices go down, but I can't," he said. "What I can do – and what I will do – is push for a second stimulus package that will send out another round of rebate checks to the American people."

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by truusa June 24, 2008 8:19 PM EDT: If everyone who voted in the Primaries for Hillary would vote for her as a write in candidate, She would be our next President.; Reply to this comment


by toughitout-2009 June 24, 2008 6:26 PM EDT: Any candidate focusing on trying to get more oil at this point, really wants America to remain bogged down and beholden to the middle east and OPEC powers. No more oil. Time to move to electricity. Time to stop the pansy whining about how hard it will be and just do what is required. It will make us a stronger and better nation and then we won''t have to sacrifice american lives to create new muslim nations to satisfy the Muslim nations behind OPEC.

And really, with the rate of growth of India and China, you''ve got to be hitting the crack pipe to think what small amounts of oil we can get out of coastal reserves is going to make any meaningful difference 10 years from now.

The answer is electricty and to use the federal government to make the move happen. We can address global warming, pollution, air quality, energy security, and cheap abundant energy all with one good energy policy. We can have our cake and eat it too, but not with oil. The days of cheap oil are gone, the sooner these old people trying to reclaim the glory days of their youth accept it and move forward from there, the sooner we can get our nation back on the right track.; Reply to this comment


by kenbomc June 24, 2008 5:46 PM EDT: The confused old guy hasn''t got a clue.; Reply to this comment


by charlieb16 June 24, 2008 5:29 PM EDT: Obama has no plan that will help right away either. He needs to come up with something and a calendar. With off shore drilling there is something and there is a calendar and american jobs.; Reply to this comment


by charlieb16 June 24, 2008 5:29 PM EDT: Obama has no plan that will help right away either. He needs to come up with something and a calendar. With off shore drilling there is something and there is a calendar and american jobs.; Reply to this comment


by mattcat25 June 24, 2008 5:18 PM EDT: The Republican Big Oil Party is holding on to already permitted Oil Drilling Sites that are not in operation. The Oil Companies/Republican Oil Party are holding off commencement of Oil extraction from these approved drilling sites to assure the raise in the price per barrel. The Republicans desire %u201CAnwar-Anwar%u201D unlimited oil drilling where ever they please. I see the deliberate non use of already approved drilling as un-American and I question the patriotism of anyone that supports this swindle on the American Public.

Vote Republican, vote for higher Fuel and Energy $Costs, along with everything else!; Reply to this comment


by rowdywicca June 24, 2008 4:54 PM EDT: Obama hasn''t a freaking CLUE that drilling in America means JOBS and MONEY SPENT IN AMERICA and that AMERICANS will have an opportunity to make some money from it!

Obama''s eyes should be twinkling at the prospect of AMERICANS working and being able to pay some taxes...BUT HE''S JUST TOO DAMNED STUPID!; Reply to this comment


by mochabay June 24, 2008 4:42 PM EDT: First of all jack3213-use spell check or if you can''t handle that, get a dictionary. Then check you spidey senses. They are off. your entire rant is ABSURD.; Reply to this comment


by mochabay June 24, 2008 4:42 PM EDT: First of all jack3213-use spell check or if you can''t handle that, get a dictionary. Then check you spidey senses. They are off. your entire rant is ABSURD.; Reply to this comment


by omaar-101 June 24, 2008 4:34 PM EDT: Posted by jack3213: This is My last Resort, My Desperate Attempt to keep the White House White, Exclusively.

White only in the White House !!!

Lordy, Lordy, Lordy Lordy, what We Racist, White Supremacist & Separatist, going to do !!!

Lordy, Lordy, Lordy, Lordy !!!

Jesus is White, Jesus is White, Jesus is God...

Lordy, Lordy, Help Us, White Jesus !!

Keep The White House White, George Bush is a Great White President and So will Semi-Senile, Pasty, Pale John McCain with his Drug Addicted Aryan Wife Cindy at his Side.; Reply to this comment