https://www.realclearenergy.org/articles/2024/11/03/the_election_close_with_energy_1069646.html
In the final weekend of the 2024 election cycle, it seems every candidate is closing with energy, and not just Republicans. Donald Trump’s “drill baby drill” phrase is constant and consistent at his rallies, as it is many pro-energy conservatives candidates, but in the home stretch, even Democrats are trying to get in on the fun.
Consider Vice President Kamala Harris, whose campaign has offered 180-degree reversals on several key energy issues. In 2019, Harris stated, “there’s no question I’m in favor of banning fracking” Harris forcibly stated at a CNN Town Hall, and stating it more succinctly on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” saying she is committed to “putting an end to fracking once and for all.” Harris even sought to prosecute oil executives on criminal charges.
Harris’ message now sounds a lot like Trump. She celebrates record high oil and gas production and even tries to take some level of credit as these production numbers are the result of Biden-Harris policies. And in interviews and even at the Presidential debate against President Trump, Harris walked back her previous position, claiming “I will not ban fracking.”
Someone on her campaign team must have read the polls or seen the focus groups. No matter the survey or its source, the number one issue on voters’ minds is inflation and the cost of food. Just recently, when asked about her top priority on “day one” if she were to win, Harris said “reduce the cost of living.” The most surefire way to achieve such a goal is by lowering energy costs.
Late to the game, even contradicting herself, Harris is closing with energy.
This phenomenon is playing out across the congressional races, too.
In the hotly-contested battle for the Pennsylvania Senate, 18-year incumbent Bob Casey raised eyebrows with a campaign ad claiming to have stood with President Trump to “protect fracking.” Never mind that Casey votes 99% of the time with President Biden. This is remarkable positioning when considering much Democrat messaging has centered on “Trump is Hitler” and even President Biden declared Trump voters as “garbage.” Now, virtually tied with Dave McCormick in the polls, Casey is closing with energy.
In the last year, Ohio’s two-term Senator Democrat Sherrod Brown has changed his tune on energy and environmental issues, backing away from climate change rhetoric and embracing the energy industry. Brown even celebrated Buckeye coal miners for their “pioneering” and labelling their work in graphite “exciting.” Brown is virtually tied with Bernie Moreno in the polls, so late the game, Brown is closing with energy.
In Alaska, at-large Congresswoman Mary Peltola, Democrat, touts her support for oil and gas. In New Mexico’s second congressional district representing the critical oil and gas region of the Permian Basin, Democrat Gabe Vazquez is struggling to deliver a pro-energy message to the many energy workers who will vote.
My question to all these legislators and to the Vice President herself: what took you so long?
Where have you been these past four years as oil sanctions on Iran and Venezuela were eased allowing these hostile countries to produce more while the fewest domestic oil and gas permits were issued since World War II? Where were you while the Inflation Reduction Act slush fund poured hundreds of billions into Chinese-made wind and solar?
