First-2-Die wrote:

<jonnyoo@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1169486446.568631.308820@v45g2000cwv.googlegroups.com...

What do people think about Obama's decision to back coal-to-liquid fuel
technology. The technology is used to convert coal into gasoline.
Proponents, Obama included, argue that it helps reduce our dependence
on foreign oil. Opponents argue that it doesn't address the real
problem: carbon producing emissions. Coal is very dirty, and
converting it into oil isn't an exception. A recent Washington Post
said some people feel Obama is backing the plan just to placate the oil
industry in Illinois. Thoughts? Is this a sign of corruption for the
unblemished Obamam, or a legitimate policy.

Smart political move. He puts himself to the right of Hillary who must
either say "me too" or challenge his green eco credentials. What's at
stake?
The coal vote not just in Illinois but also in WV and western PA. Both
will
have to take a calculated risk as to which will win more votes - concern
for
foreign fuel dependency or environmental concerns. My judgement is rabid
to
moderate greenies will never vote GOP, so Obama is taking the higher
percentage gamble despite any rumblings from the left.

The interesting thing will be how Hillary responds and when and where she
chooses to. She may feel inclined to shore up her leftwing and lose
moderate
coal votes in the process.

Granted they'll both spew a bunch of double talk but Hillary runs the
chronic risk of appearing too slick in her doublespeak in comparison with
the somewhat more forthright Obama. At some point you have to untwist
your
tongue and lay down your marker on where you stand. The "straddle the
fence" approach of the Clintons is a proven winner in the general
election,
but she has to get the nomination first to employ it.

Obama, Edwards and a whole pantheon of White House aspirants look to drag
that out further into the political season than usual. With a clear field
and no heir apparents from either side, 2008 could mark a year when the
conventions return as once again being relevant in the sorting out and
selection of the party's respective nominations.

Yet, have you even seen how low all Obama poll numbers are in
comparison with Hillary's or Edward's ??