By Julia Hoppock

Jul 11, 2008 2:06pm

Obama: McCain “Should Look in the Mirror” on Energy Reform Record

ABC News’ Sunlen Miller Reports: Senator Obama continued to pound Senator McCain’s energy plan at a town hall in Dayton, Ohio today – telling the town hall that McCain needs to "look in the mirror" at his own performance on energy reform as a Senator.

Obama’s criticism follows comments made by McCain earlier in the week in which he said, "Our dangerous dependence on foreign oil has been thirty years in the making, and was caused by the failure of politicians in Washington to think long-term about the future of the country."

Senator Obama shot back today, telling the crowd that McCain was a Senator for 26 of those 30 years in a Washington that has done little to help reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil.

"He voted against raising our fuel mileage standards that could have made such a difference over the last couple of decade and he joined George Bush in opposing legislation twice in the last year that included tax credits for more efficient cars. He’s voted against alternative sources of energy. Against clean biofuels. Against solar power. Against wind power. Against an energy bill that represented the largest investment in renewable sources of energy in the history of this country," Obama listed, "So when John McCain talks about the failure of politicians in Washington to do anything about our energy crisis, understand that John McCain should look in the mirror because he has been a part of that failure."

Obama said that McCain’s plan for a gas tax holiday, and expanded oil drilling off America’s coasts to help are ideas that "poll well," but do little to provide immediate relief at the pump.

McCain’s campaign was quick to respond to Obama’s comments, "Today, Barack Obama criticized wind, hydro-power, domestic oil drilling, gas tax relief and nuclear power but did not offer a single proposal to bring down gas prices," McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds says, "The difference is Obama’s ‘Dr. No’ approach believes that every energy source has a problem and John McCain believes that every energy source can be part of the solution Americans need right now."

Last week in Fresno, California McCain suggested as part of his energy plan – a national prize of $300 million for anyone who can develop a more efficient car battery – a proposal which Obama made light of in his town hall today.

"I’m glad that Senator McCain now understands the importance of this battery technology, but it will take a lot more than a cash prize –a "Readers Digest" sweepstakes to achieve this goal. It will take a serious investment."

In the long term, Obama has called for a Venture Capital Fund to provide $50 billion over five years for lab work in the development of clean energy technologies.

The presumptive democratic nominees comments today follow a back and forth over the past weeks between McCain and Obama over energy policy. McCain has dubbed Obama "Dr. No" on energy – and Obama released a TV ad this week connecting McCain with oil and gas companies.

User Comments

Obama do something in congress first then talk about what others are doing.

Posted by: john bonehead | July 11, 2008, 2:15 pm 2:15 pm

I guess McCain’s handler is still pestering Congress about off shore drilling so he can make more money when his buddies pay him off for helping them.
(Or if we charged 400 billion per year as a lease fee per lease, per year, we could all have free gas at his buddies expense.)

Posted by: DAVID NH | July 11, 2008, 2:16 pm 2:16 pm

right on obama mccain has been in senate for 25 years and what has he done and you all ask what has obama done well ask your selfs mccain senate 25 years and he has done nothing but oppose everything the last 7 years agreeing with bush i think obama would know being a senator dont belive him look it up its easy go look up mccains voting record and you will see for yourselves!!!!

Posted by: angie | July 11, 2008, 2:17 pm 2:17 pm

JOHN BONE HEAD
why dont you look up obama on the us senate page and you will see what obama has done what has mccain done?????????????

Posted by: angie | July 11, 2008, 2:19 pm 2:19 pm

Again, the democratic nitwit criticizes others while offering nothing himself. What a hollow air bag!

Posted by: T | July 11, 2008, 2:22 pm 2:22 pm

angie
BHO has done absolutely nothing substantial — two bills introduced. One of those bills was to name a post office. What a hollow bag of air you follow!

Posted by: T | July 11, 2008, 2:23 pm 2:23 pm

T
and what just is it that mccain has done so great in his anicent time of senate other than oppose oppose please the man doesnt even remember what he voted and doesnt even remember what he didnt vote oh yeah he opposed the gi bill and in his scary imaganation he thinks he supported and took credit hes a old old man

Posted by: angie | July 11, 2008, 2:34 pm 2:34 pm

Molly,
You are right, we can trust McCain.
We can trust him to follow President Bush’s lead in sending a message to the world that our leaders can joke about our global problems.
We can trust him to lead us to war but have no idea how to care for our soldiers when they come home. If they come home. Ever.
We can trust him to lie. (G.I bill, Energy, Healthcare, even lied about his own biography yesterday).
Truth is, we should all notice that the gaffes that McCain has sustained this week ( the vet and the librarian in Denver, Energy, and Gramm), should signify the beginning of the swift boat campaign, slanderous remarks and spreading perpetual lies. The problem with this is I believe Americans are really starting to wake-up now and take notice of who has been lying to them. Past and present. Take notice it is coming!!! McLame is in trouble.

Posted by: Lance | July 11, 2008, 2:47 pm 2:47 pm

John…don’t forget McCain has been on the Senate a lot longer than Obama. He should be the one to lead thsi country.
He is too worried about spending his wife’s millions.

Posted by: truthtell | July 11, 2008, 2:47 pm 2:47 pm

Angie…OWNED is the key word…

Posted by: militarymom | July 11, 2008, 2:54 pm 2:54 pm

McCain is the problem voting against every conceivable rational solution to our energy issues for 26 years except if big oil got involved and then he voted for that. McCain and others in Washington are the reason we have no energy policy except big oil and why oil is still the major source for our energy needs. Time for a change!!

Posted by: eyeonyou | July 11, 2008, 2:57 pm 2:57 pm

If exploring for oil was like exploring for new wifes, McCain might be able to solve the problem

Posted by: Jim | July 11, 2008, 2:59 pm 2:59 pm

Republicans need to seek an energy vision that see what America needs long term that is safe, dependable, and renewable, as opposed the selfish vision of what their pocket books will look like lined with oil money! Time to see the big picture for once.

Posted by: eyeonyou | July 11, 2008, 3:03 pm 3:03 pm

I don’t know about the rest of you but eyeonyou is my hero!!!!

Posted by: Lance | July 11, 2008, 3:05 pm 3:05 pm

Senator Obama has held an elected position since 1996 and made many promises during that time but has yet authored one piece of legislation that has helped every American in some way. He is just hot air and certainly has no right to critize Senator McCain. Obama is a dud in every way. Senator McCain’s energy policy has some merit. Senator Obama has no energy policy.

Posted by: Mary | July 11, 2008, 3:18 pm 3:18 pm

MARY
wake up from the dream world

Posted by: angie | July 11, 2008, 3:21 pm 3:21 pm

Would someone please explain something to me? Why would anyone vote for a candidate who has said clearly that he is going to continue policies of George Bush? Voting for such a candidate (in this case, McCain) is irrational in my estimation. George Bush has defiled and disgraced this country in every way, and set it on a downward path that promises to continue unless we get someone in the White House who at least intends to stop the bleeding and turn things around. McCain has said clearly that he intends to continue following Bush’s policies in many areas. Please someone explain why anyone would vote for him in light of this. Thank you.

Posted by: MikeinPhilly | July 11, 2008, 3:48 pm 3:48 pm

Would you Obama supporters who are critizing me for my post please tell me about one piece of legislation that Obama started and finished and was passed that has made your and my life better? I am waiting.

Posted by: Mary | July 11, 2008, 4:02 pm 4:02 pm

McCain: he doesn’t know the difference between shias and sunis. he doesn’t know the role of the president in iran, he doesn’t know the difference between iraq and iran. he doesn’t know much about the economy, he doesn’t even remember saying de doesn’t know how he voted on birth control legislation, he has 61 flip flops to date, and best of all he clashed with a Vietnam Vet about lying on how he has voted for them. (See you tube , McCain clashes with Vietnam Vet video), someone on this site who is voting for mccain please tell me why?

Posted by: becky | July 11, 2008, 4:09 pm 4:09 pm

Now, Dr. NO comes out and telling people that he is all for energy reform. Watch this guy forks! He is acting like a communist, talk this way but will do differently!
Last time I check, all Obama had done was talk! He is continuing talking his way up! Unfortunately, half of Democrats don’t want to listen to him any more!

Posted by: Sally | July 11, 2008, 4:14 pm 4:14 pm

Sally: Speak for yourself and not for our party. We are all listening to him.

Posted by: becky | July 11, 2008, 4:16 pm 4:16 pm

MARY
for one thing he passed legislation for healthcare for children he passed legislation for more education so people could get better jobs mary instead of bashing him take the time research him on your own your own find the facts the encylclopedia would be a good place to start and work your way to us senate look at his voting record

Posted by: angie | July 11, 2008, 4:16 pm 4:16 pm

SALLY
well at least dr no makes sense unlike mccain i dont even think he knows what an energry crisis is

Posted by: angie | July 11, 2008, 4:19 pm 4:19 pm

Should Obama’s real name be Mr. Regret or Mr. Clarify?

Posted by: Just Curious | July 11, 2008, 4:29 pm 4:29 pm

Becky, if you would really do your research, you will find that most of those bills credited to Obama was started by other senators and Emil Jones stole them and gave to Senator Obama. Senator Obama needed a resume. After all, he was already looking to move up to a higher office. I have seen interviews of his former state senators. They said nothing nice about the man. Voting 130 times PRESENT.

Posted by: Mary | July 11, 2008, 4:37 pm 4:37 pm

It’s quiet again……Mary must be off studying. Let’s hope and pray.
P.S. Mary, Please don’t vote because you are so uninformed!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Lance | July 11, 2008, 4:37 pm 4:37 pm

Obama graduated top of his class at Harvard Law School, then was a professor of constitutional law. Served on the IL senate for a few years, was involved in his community fighting for people’s rights, and then won a seat in the senate.
McCain fought courageously for his country, served time in the Hanoi Hilton, delivered beer for awhile, and then became a senator. He just disregarded the only piece of legislation he ever helped pass with his campaign finance flub. He’s being sued because of it, you know.
One thing you can say about Obama; he galvanized the country and inspired Americans to be proactive and to get involved. That’s why 70,000+ people will show up to listen to this man. McCain can’t touch that and he shouldn’t. He’s out of his league.

Posted by: sleepless in CA | July 11, 2008, 4:46 pm 4:46 pm

“We are all listening to him.”
Better listen closely. He lies a lot.

Posted by: Mack | July 11, 2008, 4:46 pm 4:46 pm

“That’s why 70,000+ people will show up to listen to this man.”
More than that used to follow the Grateful Dead. Bots seem to have a lot in common with dead heads.

Posted by: Mack | July 11, 2008, 4:48 pm 4:48 pm

Mary the key words here are co-sponsored… I did not say he created them all, but he did fight to pass them and they passed. I do believe that is how the system works. And please name those who believe she stoled their bills and who are not found of him? I would like to go to their sites and read on that. After all, this is all about being informed on the truth.

Posted by: becky | July 11, 2008, 4:49 pm 4:49 pm

Wilderrr, unfortunately for you, I am a very educated pretty woman who has supported Hillary from the beginning and still want to write in her name on the ballot in November!
Thanks Thomas,
You tell it all! He is one of a typical Obama’s fans who are willing to lick Obama’s shoes if asked!

Posted by: Sally | July 11, 2008, 4:51 pm 4:51 pm

Sally and Mack: OMG! can we not grow up! If you want McCain go for it, I just pray that if he wins you guys are next in line to loose your job, home, health care…need I say more.

Posted by: becky | July 11, 2008, 4:59 pm 4:59 pm

Poor Obama, he’s really starting to show what a novice he is.

Posted by: Jo | July 11, 2008, 5:06 pm 5:06 pm

Becky,
…and you truly believe that Obama is a savior who will lift up this country to prosperity and peace if he gets elected?????? Use your wisdom and don’t listen to what your brain is telling you!!!!

Posted by: Sally | July 11, 2008, 5:07 pm 5:07 pm

70 thousand people showed up for Obama because The Decemberists (a very popular Oregon based rock band) showed up to play for free. A little fact the media conveniently left out. Lol.
Nice try though.

Posted by: Jo | July 11, 2008, 5:09 pm 5:09 pm

–Becky, I do not live in the state of Illinois and the bills you mentioned were passed in the Illinois State Senate. I was really talking about his sponsored bills in Washinton DC. Tell me one bill he sponsored that will make my life better. I am waiting to be educated. Thanks.

Posted by: Mary | July 11, 2008, 5:12 pm 5:12 pm

I think we need to change the headline to “Obama, you should look in the mirror on anything you have to say to American people!”

Posted by: Sally | July 11, 2008, 5:13 pm 5:13 pm

Seems like every day, George W McCain just gets more and more confused.
Can’t remember this, doesn’t remember that…mixes up countries and who the terrorists are…long eight second pauses after questions…has to have Lieberman whispering answers in his ear.
Gotta feel sorry for the guy. It’s difficult watching someone who was a hero forty years ago declining so rapidly.
I hope his doctors can do something for him.

Posted by: wilderrr | July 11, 2008, 5:20 pm 5:20 pm

nearly three decades of getting on his knees to big oil. gee, thanks mccain. now we’re to believe he wants to change things? does anyone really believe this guy? please.

Posted by: archibaldbarisol | July 11, 2008, 5:36 pm 5:36 pm

To many of us, Obama is getting more confused…
He supported public finance one day, the next day he opposed it!
He spoke against Iraq war but he voted for funding it!
He had never heard the hateful speeches from Rev Wright when he was in Trinity church and a week later in a racial speech, he confirmed to Americans that “yes, I have heard them….
Dr. No, you are confusing!

Posted by: Sally | July 11, 2008, 5:41 pm 5:41 pm

70 thousand people showed up for Obama because The Decemberists (a very popular Oregon based rock band) showed up to play for free. A little fact the media conveniently left out. Lol.
Nice try though.
Posted by: Jo | Jul 11, 2008 5:09:15 PM
**********
LOL! Do you even KNOW who the Decemberist are? Little known garage band. My teens say they are NOT very popular. AND they were not billed, Obama’s campaign did not say they would be there.
Also, can you tell me WHY 70,000 would stay and listen to Obama if they were “with the band”?
So sorry, but you make NO sense!

Posted by: Fired UP!! | July 11, 2008, 5:51 pm 5:51 pm

JSF– I applaud your posting. Energy sources other than from oil are not going to be enough to keep our ecomony going. It will take time for any new sources to come on line and the costs are not going down. There are wind turbines both north and south of my town and the electricty costs more since the utility company now uses some electricity generated by the wind turbines. Our officials should look at all sources and get busy promoting more energy generating outlets.

Posted by: Mary | July 11, 2008, 6:03 pm 6:03 pm

“I can’t believe you people don’t get it.”
The people that don’t partake in the kool-aid see him for what he is…a flip-flopping panderer.

Posted by: Mack | July 11, 2008, 6:08 pm 6:08 pm

As a non-american, I find it interesting to follow the progress of what will be, in one way or another, am historic election. In my country we do not get all of the coverage so I will not comment on polices etc, other than to ask Mary, and the other Bush/McCain apostles to consider this – over the last 100 years, public involvement in domestic politics has declined to such a degree that meaningful dialogue between your politicians and their public (that’s you) no longer exists, Senators are too focused on constituency pandering to risk any real change to the status quo and the presidency has become little more than a figurehead, thanks to Reagan and BushI. Obama may not be perfect, but none of us are – at least he’s getting people involved and motivated to become involved, which is the first step to making america the ‘good’, ‘free’ and democratic state it once was, rather than the pariah state it has become.
Hillary was a good option, but with her relationship to Bill, it would have been ‘more of the same’. Good luck to you all – you’re gonna need it.

Posted by: Myk | July 11, 2008, 7:08 pm 7:08 pm

Senator Obama has voted for every money bill that came along to keep the war going in Iraq and that can not be disputed. As always, he says one thing but does another.

Posted by: Mary | July 11, 2008, 7:43 pm 7:43 pm

Obama should look within himself first. That’s all we ask.

Posted by: country_voter | July 11, 2008, 7:44 pm 7:44 pm

I cant believe I am posting for the second time today. I dont consider myself a blogger but I guess thats the way our democracy is shifting towards.
Myk- First our country has always been good and free. Our democracy has changed alot in the past few 100 years. We have had many good times and many bad times and we will have many great and threatening times to come. I offer you to become a citizen and try it out.
Second, your right that direct dialogue and voter turnout has gone down but that is because of our great american history. Political parties have had a huge part in that. Since 1908 our two political parties have changed views a lot and reorganized the way they select candidates a couple times over.
You cant blame our history and the way we operae as leaders in the free world because of the last 4 presidents, thats just not fair.
America ’08

Posted by: JSF | July 11, 2008, 7:48 pm 7:48 pm

Well duh there is no immediate one quick solution to the energy problem! I’m pretty and I know that! But anyway they should do like that commercial where that old guy from 700 Club and Don King were sitting on the bench and they were talking about coming together for a party or despite a party and come with a solution that will help everybody…………….Oh that was Al Sharpton. My bad! LoL ;-)

Posted by: Tiff | July 11, 2008, 8:24 pm 8:24 pm

When BhO has no substance on issues, he attacks and talks about his opponents. If BhO has not looked into the mirror himself, someone needs to lend him one. Let the bonehead expose himself to himself.

Posted by: Jesse | July 12, 2008, 12:21 am 12:21 am

“As a senator in Illinois, he sponsored health care for uninsured children and got it passed. He walks the walk, not talks the talk. ”
posted by: formerhillary | Jul 11, 2008 2:51:41 PM
———
NOT B O’S BILL.
GIVEN TO HIM WITH THE COMPLIMENTS OF EMIL JONES AND COMPANY…. PARSED, PREPARED AND PURJURED FROM OTHER LEGISLATORS FOR A COUPLE OF PORK BELLIES AND A BOTTLE OF SUDS…..
As for Mccain, he has proven himself to be an honest hardworking patriot who will put this country first!
He reaches across the aisle, and has earned the respect of both Democrats AND Republicans.
As for age, the Dalai Lama was born in 1935; does that mean we should throw him away with the dish water?
HILLARY OR MCCAIN!
COUNTRY BEFORE BROKEN DOWN DNC PARTY!!!
ZX

Posted by: QUESTIONER.. | July 12, 2008, 4:24 am 4:24 am

Do the math, people. The U.S. reserves account for about 2% of our oil use, yet we use 25% of the world’s oil. Even if we quadrupled our domestic oil production (yeah, right) we would still be hopelessly dependent on foreign supplies. Drilling in the ANWAR could produce perhaps 1 million barrels per day. The Saudis alone produce over 100 million barrels per day (now) and estimate that they could perhaps get 250 million per day if they had to (but they won’t do this). With these numbers in mind, how in the world could we possibly drill our way out of this mess? Incidentally, most of the oil we get from Alaska now is of such poor grade that we sell it to Japan rather than spend the money to refine it ourselves.

Posted by: madisonhack | July 12, 2008, 5:26 am 5:26 am

Obama is new, he has done very very little in senate. He has been promoting new ideas which are untested. He himself is untested. He does not have war experience. We should agree with Republicans about all this.
But the above has nothing to do with rejecting Republican policies which are not conservative anymore. (Or conservative only in appointing judges who should be actually impartial.) but not conservative in Government spending and spend all American wealth into multiple wars in which contractors are selected based on alliance with spending control and oversight is removed.
Destroyed the prestige of this country and made America look like Soviet Union in 1970s. And created unquestionably bad human rights records. (while Russia and China it seems have “questionable Human right records”)
Made America look so like Burma (Myanmar) in handling Katrina disaster.
And recently McCain threatened to remove Russia from G-8 grouping while at the recent summit Bush Administration asked Russia to invest more in America!!!
What happened to all our own wealth?
As such we prefer without any regrets this Obama who may be a joker, or comedian or a clown with funny ideas, I don’t care.
I think we have the right to choose the BETTER of both this men. Because in this super democratic country we only have this 2 to select from.
I cannot discuss the merits of this candidates. Because it is totally futile. I prefer Edwards, and many others. But I have only this 2 choices. And I will never Vote the real jokers from Republican party who have destroyed everything that America stands for. I will vote even a Donkey if it was selected to run against the Republicans.
Dear Republicans this is enough for you to understand what we average Americans are feeling.
And I beg all others stop trying to promote Obama. Because we don’t have to. (You may regret it too. Because we still do not know who is he really is)
But let’s Vote for him because the alternative is total destruction.
Let’s not pretend we have 2 fantastic candidates from this great country and we need all this analysis.

Posted by: VelShan | July 12, 2008, 12:51 pm 12:51 pm

Wow Obama and Hillary are right on the money here; Republicans need to apologize for their squandering of our national wealth and power. We are so much weaker now, so much less competitive, less educated. and our troops are dying for the oil companies. We HAVE to elect Obama if we want to see America shine once again. Else, I’m America’s best days will be long gone.

Posted by: John | July 13, 2008, 2:19 pm 2:19 pm

Obama the Empty Suit Has No Solutions
to our Current Energy Problem other than to Scold the American People for
relying on Fossil Fuels and making some
Vague Proposals about Wind, Solar, and
BioFuels! None of which would do
anything for decades!
At Least McCain has a plan for the
current problem, more Offshore Drilling
and Nuclear Power as opposed to
Mr NOBAMA’s nonexistent plan!
Obama Has No Experience, No Solutions,
and No Credibility!
Just Say No to Obama! No You Can’t!

Posted by: reaganfan | July 13, 2008, 10:46 pm 10:46 pm

If Obama Looks in the Mirror he
Will See Janus!

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