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Drilling Stances Help Reveal Candidates

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The Associated Press

Published: August 4, 2008

WASHINGTON - The different paths John McCain and Barack Obama have taken to support expanded offshore drilling for oil demonstrate how each would govern as president, their supporters said Sunday.

McCain surrogates contended on the Sunday news programs that the Arizona Republican's turn toward drilling, which he had once opposed, showed how McCain would respond decisively to a crisis. Obama's supporters argued that his willingness to consider a bipartisan proposal including more drilling showed how the Illinois Democrat would pursue compromise to achieve results.

Sen. Joe Lieberman, a Connecticut independent and former Democrat who backs McCain, was skeptical of Obama's support of 10 senators, half of them Republicans and half Democrats, promoting compromise legislation including drilling and other energy-related initiatives.

"John McCain sees the crisis," said Lieberman, who also once opposed more offshore drilling.

"Barack Obama says this weekend, 'maybe,' 'eh,' 'and,' 'if,' 'but.' He did not endorse, he did not come out with a strong decision," Lieberman said on "Meet the Press." "I predict to you he'll find reasons not to be for it if this comes to a vote in the Senate."

On the same news program, Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., said Obama remains opposed to drilling but is prepared to "break America's gridlock by honoring a bipartisan effort, if that is the only way to move us towards alternative and renewable fuels and an energy policy that's comprehensive."

Both Obama and McCain opposed expanding oil exploration off American coasts when they were seeking their parties' nominations for president. As oil prices shot upward and gasoline edged toward $4 a gallon, McCain - with the Republican nomination sewn up - announced that he would support drilling because of spiraling energy costs.

Obama said last week that he remains opposed to additional offshore drilling but would consider it as part of a plan promoting fuel-efficient cars and developing alternate energy sources.

McCain has long touted his reputation as a Republican maverick who crosses party lines to seek compromise even if it annoys party members.

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