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I don’t mean to pick on MSNBC. I actually watch them almost exclusively these days, given their wisdom is featuring Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow. So they’re ahead of the game. But even so, I’m astounded at how many of their pundits are rolling over and playing dead, when it comes to McCain’s bizarre claims about his and Obama’s energy plans.
Just two recent examples: Last night on Verdict with Dan Abrams, analyst A. B. Stoddard described McCain’s “kitchen sink” policy as sounding “more reasonable” than Obama’s. Today on MSNBC, Alex Witt interviewed Trent Lott, of all people, for his opinion on the two candidates’ energy plans. First, of course, the interview was set up with the promo that the Republicans may have the “upper hand” on energy. Then Witt fell all over herself agreeing with Lott’s explanation of how McCain’s plan was so much more comprehensive than Obama’s. As if that weren’t enough, she had to compliment him on how knowledgeable he was on the topic. I guess it beats doing actual research.
What is McCain’s real record on energy? I was fortunate to attend McCain University, at the Center for American Progress, in June. Their exhaustive analysis of McCain’s record on energy shows how removed from reality, this idea that McCain’s proposals are sensible or comprehensive, is. Some highlights from their report:* McCain, of course, puts a great deal of weight on off-shore drilling - one of his many flip-flops - despite the fact that experts agree that it would do nothing for gas prices in the foreseeable future;
* McCain has repeatedly voted against setting standards for renewable energy, as well as tax incentives to encourage conservation and renewable energy;
* He relies on meaningless gimmicks like the “gas tax holiday” and a prize for an electric car battery;
* He’s for continuing tax breaks to Big Oil.
I know I can’t hope for right-leaning pundits to stop shading the truth on McCain and energy, and I can’t stop producers from inviting them. But the worst thing news anchors and talk show hosts can do, is to let such distortions go by without rebuttal. Doing so, allows these statements to take their place among other taken-for-granted falsehoods, such as that Al Gore said he invented the internet, or that John Kerry was somehow a coward in Vietnam.
