Obama – The Greener Candidate

[IndianaGreen]

Obama – The Greener Candidate

By Joel Wendland

In recent weeks, John McCain has attempted to appeal to moderate voters by talking about the issue, but has undermined his own positions by calling for new offshore and ANWR oil drilling, refusing to make caps on carbon emissions mandatory, and in his voluntary cap program, targets emissions cuts far below what scientists tell us are needed to turn the tide against climate change. McCain is also weak on promoting investment in safe renewable alternative energy resources.

Obama, according to the E article, proposes reducing greenhouse gas emission that cause global warming by 80 percent over the next four decades, using a mandatory cap and trade system. He has also proposed sizeable investments in alternative energy research and development, increasing fuel economy standards, and new mass transit.

The differences between the policies of the candidates is also reflected in their voting records.

Relying on voting statistics compiled by the League of Conservation Voters (LCV), E reports that McCain's voting record over his career stands at 24 percent, and zero for 2007. "McCain missed all 15 critical environmental votes last year." LCV characterized McCain's record and his stated positions as "outdated," and said that McCain "flip-flops on core environmental issues.”

The record shows that despite his recent statements, McCain is new to the environmental debate and has yet to use his leadership in the Republican Party and his Senate vote to commit to changing environmental policy.

By contrast, Obama has a lifetime score of 86 percent, and his 2006 score stood at 100 percent. He did miss four votes in 2007 due to campaigning, but by no means showed the systematic refusal to go on the record on the environment as McCain's voting record indicates.

http://www.politicalaffairs.net/article/articleview/7181/

[Merlot]

1. Title should be "Obama - The Green Candidate"

Because being "greener" than mccain isn't much of an accomplishment.

Getting an 86 lifetime score is.

[Radical Activist]

2. And the 86 doesn't reflect his real support

since that is partly due to missed votes where he would have voted pro-environment. He's very strong on the environment and has been for his entire career, which is unusual for a black politician from an urban district. His excellent green platform and record are a major reason I supported him in the primary.