CNN

If it is nothing new why did he wait until Friday afternoon to put it out there? Releasing statements that could be considered contreversial or unpopular ar always released on Friday afternoon so the media cannot dwell on it for a week. Obama clearly saw that his tax payer sponsored photo op through the Middle East and Europe gave him no bounce, and according to some polls posssibly hurt him with typical bitter white people ( blue collar voters ) in several key battleground states. I guess he saw the polls that 70% of Americans want to increase offshore drilling and decided it was time for a pattented Obamaflop. Kind of like ending the war in Iraq, kind of like not dividing Jeruselam, kind of like FISA, kind of like universal healthcare. Obama cannot be trusted, not because he "dose not look like all thoes presidents on the dollar bills", not because he has a "funny name", not because he of Rev. Wright. Obama can't be trusted because he is a big fat race baiting bold faced liar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NObama, NOvember, NOway!!!! PUMA 08 – Clinton 2012

McCain shifted his position on offshore drilling just like Obama.

No. Barack Obama is wrong. McCain is a racist.

Oh give me a break!!!!! John McCain JUST DROPPED HIS OPPOSITION TO OFFSHORE DRILLING IN LATE JUNE OF THIS YEAR! He, along with most other republicans voted against offshore drilling, and his mind wasn't changed about offshore drilling until he saw that the big oil companies were not donating to his campaign in record numbers as they do all of the republican campaigns. Not to mention he needed Bush to raise funds for him, and how's that going to happen with him opposing Bush's idea to distract the public with this gimmick of offshore drilling, which will NOT PRODUCE A SINGLE DROP OF OIL FOR YEARS AND YEARS. Additionally, he and his wife as multi-millionaires in part because of the oil companies (and her beer fortune), can't wait to explore for more oil so that their pockets can be increased. It's pathetic that now McCain ALONE wants to take credit for the idea of offshore drilling, which as I stated, HE OPPOSED UNTIL THE SECOND WEEK IN JUNE!

Go see "Swing Vote"! I saw it last night & this reminds me of it!
haha

How will that be a president that is smart, controlled, young, liked by those overseas and can compromise. Obama
Connie from Indiana

If a candidate sticks to his guns, he's attacked for being arrogant and too rigid. If a candidate says he's willing to compromise, he's attacked for "flip-flopping", "shifting", or being "weak".

I am glad to know that Obama is willing to work with others, even those he disagrees with, in order to find a solution to our problems. If only the rest of Washington would start making compromises, we might get something done!

Offshore drilling should always be the last resort.. And I am sure now the oil companies wont reduce the price of gas – cause they are used to high profits with the help of their corrupt counterparts – GOP.
McPain wants to take credit for Offshore drilling.. as if he created all the oil below our soil by pissing in a hole ??
OBAMA (2008 -16)

It seems like this is probably linked to the compromise the 'gang of 10' came up with this week. Drilling in some places but not Alaska and California. And they are driving a hard bargain for the Republicans. They will have to agree to many things they oppose (many Bush does not want and could possibly veto the whole thing) if they want to say they succeeded on drilling. The Democrats will have to agree to things also but to me it looks like the Republicans will have to give in to more.

Curious however. Obama seems open to this compromise but McCain is totally opposed. It will be be interesting to see their respective supporters reactions if it goes through.

Is 'change' so important that he'd support a permanent destruction of pristine habitat for a few pennies of 'change' per gallon of gas?

His defense of this new position is ugly. Does he think his supporters are stupid? He has definitely lost my vote.

I find it difficult to believe this man actually has the support of anyone, as his only consistency is he will change his mind to match the polls. He is an ultra-liberal who will do anything- say anything to get elected. If elected he will tax and spend the nations productive people until they close their businesses and hide what money they have off shore, taxing the so-called rich is a recipe for disaster.

Where are the candidates' policy statements? I would like to see ENERGY POLICIES for both McCain and Obama - and the OTHER candidates as well!

CNN, can you please get right on this?

Senator Obama; you're following the lead of Senator McCain. The 71 yr old Senator has been one step ahead of you of late. America has taken notice. No wonder the polls are tightening.

FISA, Jeremiah Wright, Public Financing, the list of back peddling gets longer on the road to the White Houe loser's club.

Bush and McCain would stubbornly "stay the course". Not what I want in a president.

PS
Does HE really believe American voters are so stupid that they won't notice he changes his stance as often as he changes his clothes? Doesn't he have any firm beliefs on anything?

Give us Hillary Clinton at the CONVENTION. CHANGE YOU CAN TRUST!

Mr. Obama, you are an Impostor. Your stance about drilling is "no" as it has been all a,long. Have your advisors to review all your speeches
and for once if is there anything remotely different that "no" please be man enough to admit it.

Yup...that is Senator Obama...flopping on issues yet again, then pretending he was for them all along....

Change you can't trust.

Senator, this IS new. the vast majority of democrats do not want this. Hillary sure wouldn't go for it. We need to be looking to renewable sources of energy, not beating the dead horse of the world's drying up oil supplies. Are we sure it's too late to get Hillary for our nominee, or at the very least as the V.P.? This is exactly the type of problem I fear. Obama trying to work across the aisle (a good thing!) but in the mean time going too far. Hillary would be very helpful at your side to help you through this. For eight years she fought right beside Bill and has the experience you need to deal with the republican "freak-a-zoids".

Why would we need oil rigs like the one pictured? Wouldn't Moses' staff just part the waters so drillers could get right down to earth on this deal? John's staff says Barack has an inside track with The One for this kind of thing.

This has become the norm of obama's campaign. Taking two sides for all issues. No wonder, he is falling behind in the polls. Finally, America is waking up to real obama.

a shaft for pelosi thank you ohb

Multiple catapult runways while the rail remains connected, carriers.

Typical Obama blowing smoke up our collective A@#.

Oh yeah, I can't remember him saying it.

I'm an O supporter, but come on now.

Barack has taken 180 degrees turn. What kind of a candidate he is. He will cover all area to include both liberals and consrvatives. It looks like we will go nowehere when Barack has no policy and no issues.

Obama has taken a play out of the Clinton hand book under "everyone knew that" . This dude has more junk in him than a stuffed turkey!

Obama does not flip flop. He weighs all the odds and listens to the American people. After all, America is a democracy.

Only in the present polical climate would "compromise" be a dirty word and something not desireable. I find it interesting that these people cannot clearly see that drilling for more oil would keep us dependent on oil....theirs and ours....we need to figure a way to get off oil, not simply prolong the inevitable

Obama never makes a mistake or actually changes his position. If you just listen to his explanations, you'll understand. Obama believes that he can talk his way out of or into anything, including the White House but the Presidency must be earned, it shouldn't be a rank opularity contest. If you will say or do anything to be president, like Obama, you are not a new kind of politician. Obsms's inexperience will lead to a Jimmy Carter type presidency. Thanks to Howard Dean, Nancy Pelosi and Ted Kennedy, we got Obama shoved down our throats. PUMA

well i'd like to ask the obama suppourters who smeared mcain on this issue saying he was in the pocket of the oil lobby one question.

wheres you're messiah now?
And when is obama goin to adress his error in judgement in pushing ethanol from crops as it would benefit his state but has contributed to people starving in the world today

post my comments cnn!!!

WHAT'S THE MATTER CNN ALL MY COMMENTS HAVE TO AWAIT MODERATION THEN NEVER GET POSTED. OR YOU SO UNSURE OF YOURSELF THAT YOUR MAN OBAMA IS NOT GOING TO MAKE THAT YOU WON'T LET MY NEGATIVE COMMENTS THROUGH.

Now I'm sure we'll be hearing McCain and the rest of the Republican cronies shouting to the sky that Obama is flip-flopping again. I wouldn't say so, he's being pragmatic. Politicians by definition compromise their positions to move forward. that's what they're supposed to do. Obama is saying he will support some, limited, offshore drilling in order to get the support for other energy conservation proposals. This is what politicians are supposed to do people. it is NOT flip-flopping, it's called compromise and is the essence of politics

Let's see Obama's evolution of energy policy.

Position 1: Do nothing.
Position 2: Inflate your tires.
Position 3: Get a tune-up.
Postiion 4: Drill offshore...maybe.

Want to get a solution to the energy problem: vote in a brand new Congress and send Obama back to Chicago.

We've got one of two situations here ... Obama is either flip-flopping on what have been key campaign points due to public opinion or he's simply pointing out that his stand doesn't and hasn't really ever stood for anything at all. Drilling, sir ... are you for it or against it? You've stated many times that you're against it, but now you're saying you might be ok with it if done correctly? Isn't that what McCain has been saying for a while now? Isn't that what you criticized him for?

How many times did you vote neither yes nor no while a senator? How many times did you just vote "present". With virtually no track record, why am I supposed to trust you to stick to your guns as president? You're certainly not inspiring confidence as a candidate. You, sir, are an empty suit. It's obvious that you will say anything and trash anyone to get ahead. You stand for nothing, and you're certainly not an agent of change.

Obama? Say no to empty suits.

Now where are all those left liberals who supported this Manchurian candidate. It is OIL that is behind "him". Big OIL backs Barack Hollywood Obama!!

Ah, Obama and his fellow democrats continue to try to shift the country's need for oil by telling us to conserve and inflate our tires.

Obama claimed the other day that we could eliminate our dependance on foriegn oil if we "just inflate our tires".

What kind of idiots does Obama think that he is talking to???

Talk about an ELITIST !! He has been drinking too much of his own koolaid !!

The way that Obama and the democRATs are talking about energy is going to do nothing but HURT average Americans, especially the poor.

And to top it all off, the democRATs are currently floating a bill to RAISE the gasoline TAX by an additional 18 cents/gallon.

The democrats have turned from the party of the poor to the PARTY of ELITISTS !!.

I SMELL A KERRY!

Obama keeps proving himself to me. The ability to compromise is how you represent the will of the people. Unlike Bush and now McCain who think they are somehow special and somehow not required to serve ordinary American interests over the interests of the oil industry.

Mr. Obama has won my vote this year!

Obama not only flip-flops, he lies about it. The man will do anything to be elected.

Although, I support Obama, I am with McCain with offshore drilling. Its another matter whether the promises will be fulfilled.

Obama's flip-flop will cost him dearly. It seems like that the campaign is running out of gas. They have to be as brutal as GOP. This election is not about being principled, its about winning and when it comes to win, nobody can rival GOP. We may hate Rove but he did the best he was hired for.

WORM=What Obama Really Meant. If you are still supporting this man please call the doctor. You need your head examined.

Puma Power

Less than 48 hours ago, he gave speeches AGAINST drilling.

I'm a little offended that he thinks Americans are that stupid.

I am wilth Obama, we need to lower energy costs while still being green and friendly towards the environment. The issue here is not Obama, it is the fact that Bush is so obssessed with money, power – and oil that he can't be green. While everyone else is trying to be green, Bush says he will just go and drill on protected land and everyone else can lump it. We have got to stop Bush before he makes another dreadful mess, after Iraq, Afghanistan and other mistakes. Bush basically doesn't have any other goal in mind than making him and his oil rich cronies richer and America has had enough. So has the world. They have had enough for nearly eight, long years.

Obama '08, on your way, Bush!!!!!

Haha. Hilarious. Figured it was just a matter of time before he flipped on this one, too.

How is it that you can rip on John McCain and others that want to drill off shore, basically accusing them of political stunts - and then TURN AROUND DO THE EXACT SAME THING you've accused your opponents of doing for the past several months? I don't get that.

It's like the guy has no backbone... what does he stand for? Does he just sway with the polls? That's kinda scary. I have no problem with McCain changing his mind - because he did it before the opinion polls showed most Americans wanted it. It's one thing to flip flop because of facts on the ground, but I have a problem when you flip because poll numbers show it's popular.

Say what ya want about George Bush, but he obviously doesn't give a crap about opinion polls. I know a lot of people hate him – but, he stands by what he believes.

Hateful Bush comments to begin in 3... 2.... 1....

After listening to Senator Obama in Florida I am absolutely convinced this is the man to lead america into the future. He sees our country as being a global player – not isolationist. He wants us the people to be able to compete globally – not fall behind. When you look at all that Europe, Brazil, China and India are doing to move away from fossil fuel, we are certainly falling behind. We need a president that can lift us out of the doldrums. He speaks of cutting tax breaks off from the companies that export jobs from america! Thank goodness! If you have been affected by outsourcing you'll understand. American jobs need to stay in america – after all these big corporations never hesitate to take our american money – yet want to employ cheaper labor. Obama has a plan! Vote Obama!!!

If people are following McCain's "lead, why hasn't he commented on the bipartisan deal being worked out? McCain hasn't been anywhere near the Congress in months so I guess he doesn't really know.

Remember it was McCain who completely flipped on off shore drilling in the first place.

Why is the media so afraid to actually scrutinize McCain?

another flip flop.. opportunist.. same old politics, will do anything to win

Give me a break! Obama saw the poll numbers and realized that the American people support drilling so once again he does a 180. Democrats chances to take back the white house are getting slimmer by the day.

FLIP FLOP flip flop FLIP FLOP flip flop FLIP FLOP flip flop FLIP FLOP

How many people have compromised to try to get things done? How many people have made a deal where they gave up something to get something. Is drilling for oil going to solve our gas price problem? Of course not. Will it help employ people in the oil industry? Perhaps.

Common sense? YES!

Drilling offshore will have NO impact on gas prices at the pump. I live in Newfoundland, Canada and we've drilled oil here off our coasts for almost thirty years. I paid $5.20 a gallon just yesterday to fill my car's tank.
Do not be deceived by pie in the sky promises by John McCain, offshore drilling will NOT equal lower gas prices. It has greatly benefited our local economy but we still pay the same as you. Obama has always been right on this issue folks.
Also tax cuts for oil companies have been in place for years and where's the trickle down effect? There is none. There never will be one. If they can't afford a little R&D and creation of alternative energy solutions on the obscene profits they've already been making for years what makes you think continuing tax cuts for these companies will make them do it next year or the one after? Tax cuts for big corporations don't work. They simply do not use them to help the ordinary citizen.
Do your own research Americans. The Republicans are playing off your fears. At least Obama plays off your hopes.

Ame to Bayou Joe for this:

The only ones using the Race issue are the Obama supporters and Obama himself. I have seen many blogs, insinuating that if you are not for Obama you must be a Racist. Many Texans experienced the
hatred and intimidation when they came to support Hillary at the Caucuses. The media hoopla surrounding Obama and the failure of the mainstream media to challenge Obama on issues during the debates also was handled as if they are afraid of the Afro-American
community.
Many people that I know have expressed the idea that if Obama does not get the nomination, there will be riots in the streets of our major
cities. So tell me who is using the Race issue to divide America.

Who cares if off shore drilling is new or not ... we need it ... 76% of Americans want it ASAP ... Obama, Pelosi, and Reid are allowing petty party politics to be more important than the needs of America.

If those americans who are in favor of drilling want the country to drill, let have a referendum and if the majority wins then let's drill and pay the price of pollution later, and see when gas price will come down to $2.
We don't like to adjust the way we live, we like to live large and blame other people. Gas companies and foreign countries are making huge amounts of profits, the only person to blame here will be Obama dixit Mc Cain?What has Bush done in 8 years in the white house beside favoring his friends in Gas business??

Come on let's drill it, let's not leave anything to the next generation, country of greed...

A vote for Obama is a vote for common sense.
Obama '08

Obama's statement makes sense. Off shore drilling alone is not the sole solution. There needs to be other alternatives to the energy crisis. Obama's willingness to COMPROMISE is what we need in our future President.

Here's a thought: Obama could NOT run on merits (he has yet to DO anything in any office he's been elected to)… so he ran on his color.

Race is always a safe bet… you can always allege racism.

We need a balanced approach. Obama will make and excellent President because he is willing to compromise his position to acheive results for the people. (Pity Bush never learned that) Long term he is absolutely right. We cannot drill our way out of the oil problem. We have had 2 oil men in the WHouse for the last 8 years and the situation is more than ever.

We need to invest in alterante forms of energy (30 yrs ago when Carter said it!) NOW.

Hold up your finger, which way the winds blows so does Obama.

So much for the simplistic strategy: divide and conquer.

Eliminate the only qualified candidate- Hillary Clinton- and the rest is easy.

With the best candidate out of the picture, even the one-eyed man can be king- this year, in this climate, with the Nation is the sorry state that it is in.

Obama can sleep walk his way to the presidency.
Yeah right.

In this all important year- swiftboat your best to install your worst- and then force all democrats to vote for the one they do not trust or believe in.

Great strategy. Way to go DNC. At least African Americans are happy. That's what counts after all.

I am a tree hugger delux but I get the message T. Boone Pickens is trying to deliver. We better get it on a stick and quit arguing about it, and oh yah, much as I love Al Gore he needs to get on board too. At least Pickens HAS a plan !!

Obama's recent statement in support of drilling is another one of his moves to regain his momentum. He has been quoted as saying he favored high prices on gas,just not rising as fast as it has.He is plainly in with the green movement because the revenues will fund the Reparations he plans

The so called intelligent people were fooled by Obama.

The so-called ignorant people saw the con artist for what e is.

Interesting.

The least qualified was installed as nominee and we all have to live with that travesty of justice...

or NOT....

Wow, Obama's changed his position on an issue based on the polls! As if that isn't the first time he's flip-flopped on the campaign trail... Good job on covering this accurately CNN!

Of course, you should also have an article on the lights out protest on The Hill, but you can't cover everything I suppose...

Obama is a serial flip flopper. He will do or say anything he thinks you want to hear to get your vote, He has flipped on FISA, abortion, gun control, public election finance, the social security tax and now on energy, plus there are others. Its starting to show up in the polls. The daily Gallup now has the race in an exact tie 44 to 44% and one other has McCain up by 2 points. This is somewhere between an 8 to 10 point turn around in the past ten days. Wow!

Change you can count on. At least his positions. The good thing is that he is finally on the right side. Lets see what tomorrow brings.

Obama has always said he as well as Congressmen from the other side of the aisle that he is able to work across party lines. Saying offshore drilling would be ok if it is included in an overall comprehensive energy plan to help hard working Americans is "working across party lines". From many comments coming from the McCain supporters and Republicans they are just proving that it doesn't matter what Obama says, they will attack, attack, attack. If he stands hard and firm they attack and if he tries to compromise they attack. That is the exact type of attitude that is wrong with Washington. Rather than try to work together and compromise on some issues they choose just attack each other while nothing gets done. At least Obama's approach can get something done that will help the Americans who are suffering.

I for one am glad to hear it. I just hope both these candidates mean what they say since they apposed drilling before. I also agree that drilling is only part of the solution, but for now it only makes sense. Now we will see if Obama has enough pull to convince Pelosi and the other hardliners in the party to allow a vote.

Flip flop. Wow he is making it easier and easier to vote for a third party candidate or write in. Politics as usual.

Off shore drilling is not the whole answer to our energy crisis, this is a no brainer. We need many kinds of energy and we need to wean ourselves away from the amount of oil we use today.

And still the fools fall for Obama.

It is shocking at how Senator Obama can say one thing one day, completely reverse his position the next but declare convincingly to the naive electorate that his position remains the same. This guy is a politician with a capital "P".

Obama, you also said drilling for Oil wont help our current situation, because we wont have it for 10 years... I think this is what people think you flipflopped about... because it was OUTRIGHT WRONG...

Polls do not mean a thing in this election. A true leader knows you have to compromise in order to get things done. A President Obama could get more things accomplished than a President McCain.

Sigh – does it matter anymore whether Obama is consistent? McCain will claim that he's flip-flopping no matter what he says. Obama's critics will echo that and scream about how you can't trust him. The media will repeat it again and again. And no-one will really analyze Obama's statements and conclude that they're essentially unchanged. And absolutely no-one will critically analyze McCain's all-over-the-map statements and recognize the randomness and pandering in his statements. But Obama's will be ripped to shreds undeservedly. Again. And again.

I have been an Obama supporter since he announced for many reasons. One of the most important is that he consistently has stated that he will listen to all sides and work to come up with the best solution possible in a bipartisan way. Again, he has demonstrated that kind of thinking with this position on the energy crisis. Clearly this the kind of leadership that we need.

Wait! who's that walking down the street...OH MY GOD It's Obama and listen to the changing shuffle of his feet..flip-flip, flip-flop, flip-flop!

It's nice to see that someone in DC is willing to make compromises to get things done.

We need more leadership not stubbornness.

HIs flip-flops are "nothing new."

Surprise, surprise! Obama bails again:
"Obama backs away from McCain's debate challenge"

He did not change positions on anything. The only thing he said about off-shore drilling is he would be willing to make a bi-partisan decisions. When you are president you have to be willing to make bi-partisan decisions. You have to be able to negotiate with the other side to solve problems. If he says no to everything and won't compromise, problems won't be solved. If he is willing to negotiate with republicans on approving off-shore drilling in areas where he thinks won't hurt our environment and in return they approve a 150 billion investment plan on alternative energy, which Senator Obama proposes, than that’s how we will solve problems in this great country, by compromising on certain issues. That’s how we will move this country forward.

Add this American to the long list of those that want Pelosi and Reid to get off their high horse and listen to the American people. Sure over time progress will be made on alternative means of energy such as windpower. But cars and trucks will need gasoline and oil; homes that use oil as a fuel need oil. Only an idiot cannot recognize that we want to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Now is the time to act, not 5-10 years from now. I pray that many going to the polls at election time take all this into consideration and vote or the democrats.

I don't even care how they make it better. All I care about is driving my car with lesser consequence at the pump and from my pocket.

LOL!

If that is not a flip flop, I don't know what is.

Pelosi is gonna be HOT on him. He basically just threw the Democratic party under the bus.

Too bad they aren't in session. Looks like he threw african americans under the bus as well with his slavery reparation comments. This just goes to prove my theory that he doesn't want the presidency, just wants to do the book and speech circuit after and make one billlllion dollars!

Im so very tired of obamas'as i have always said' he really is a fraud, and unhealthy for this country. vote out the socialist party.

Obama is responding to what the voters are saying. 70% of Americans say they want off shore drilling. He would be a fool not to listen to that many people. He also states that we must have a comprehensive plan in place in place for him to support this.

The worst part of this whole thing is that people will see this is a flip flop. Everybody wants to get their own way in politics. There seems to be no room for compromise.

CHANGE = new politics = ability to listen and compromise while maintaining values = get more things done

Its just too bad people are too wrapped in their own parties and own opinions to understand this. A true leader has the ability take suggestions and opinions from others and make an educated decision. This is why I will vote for Obama.

"I'm a fish... watch me FLIP-FLOP-FLIP-FLOP-FLIP-FLOP......"

Does Barack Obama stand for anything?

First he said he would filibuster any bill that gives legal immunity to phone companies who aided the government in violating the Constitution by conducting warrantless wiretaps. Then he votes for it.

Then it he backtracked on getting out of Iraq and has mirrored McCain's position.

Now this for offshore drilling. Barack Obama does not seem to understand that there is no supply problem. There first problem is there is a weak dollar. The second problem is the Republican party. They opened the oil market to speculators a few years back, and as long as they can protect their money by investing in crude, they will.

Obama lost my support when he sanctioned violating the Constitution. I was an ardent supporter, VOLUNTEER and two-time donater. I demanded a refund of my donations (and received it) and removed myself from the campaign mailing list.

This latest action just goes to show a pattern has emerged. I will never vote for Obama, McCain or Hillary. They are all the same.

If you think mccain can lower gas prices, I have a bridge in Brooklyn that I just listed on E-Bay.

This guy is so fake. Dems cannot vote for this guy, we must vote for McCain and wait for Hillary in 2012.

My problem is Marijuana is now going to kill me if I do not get to work, or it will make me arrested by that insidious intent for death had by those hypnotists who understond their own guilt complex in the early 19th century.

Prison creates violent criminals of these innocent and raptured people, and prison riots start this way.

Craving marijuana is a bad sign that humanity is treated like a thrawl to hypnosis.

Is it possible for him to change stances more?
This guy can't make his mind up, and you people want him to lead our country?
He should select a coin for his VP, so he can flip it, to make decisions for him.

I'll tell you what – when the British cut my check for my reparations, I'll give 10% for African-American reparations. Til then – get lost.

Hmm go figure an approach which includes all methods of trying to reduce our independence, which John McCain originally proposed

I don't understand the flip flopping thing.

Don't we want a leader that listens to the people and advisors and goes with the best idea? We've had a stubborn leader for 8 years and see where that got us.

Changing positions isn't a weakness, it's a strength.

of course.a good politician is flexible,and must work with everyone on our problems.things change fast these days and we need obama's foresight and intelligence as well as organizational abilities,and flexibility to make things work for everyone.personally,i think off-shore oil-drilling will just contribute to our quickly deteriorating environment.but,if you folks dont mind oil slicks on florida beaches,go ahead.who would want to go there,anyway?

Obama keep up the good work.The other campaign just wants to have fun when every thing should be serious about higher prices
and 51,000 jobs lost in July I am sure the American people that
lost their jobs are wondering where their next paycheck is coming from.Comprise on off shore if need be so be it .You really do not know where McCain will be tomorrow.Maybe since he wants to be a comedian he will take Leno place when he leaves NBC.

Of course he flip flopped over digging. The poll numbers showed he is loosing this argument. Typical politician. Nothing gets done except in an election year when they all run with their tails between there legs. As a demacrat i am outraged he oposes digging to get morer oil. Time is wasting while they argue over it all mean while we are stuck in foriegn countrys dying for the price of oil.

This is the man of change? Every day he shows he is just another political hack that sticks his finger in the wind to find out which way it is blowing – the puts his back to the wind.

The only thing audacious about Obama is he whenever he flip flops he tries to make us beleive he hasn't changed his position and his favorite line is "You haven't been listing to me."

Well we are listening and he flip flopped again.

Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This guy changes his stance on issues daily. Wonder what's next????

He's been against Off-shore drilling since day ONE, now he's trying to say he's for it but also against it. Obama only says what he says to get elected, this is how he beat out H. Clinton (and NO I don't support her and never did). This is good for McCain because more people will see this. The Dems made a mistake by not picking H. Clinton, at least she would had held her ground.
Good for us because McCain will be in the White House. Bring on the debates, this is going to be good.

McCain '08

Of course he supports off-shore drilling NOW... he finally looked at the polls and saw that over 70% of Americans also support it... so now he has to spin it as if it was his visionary idea in the first place.

First he says NAFTA needs to be overturned, then he says it just needs to be 'fixed.' First he criticizes his opposition of not wanting to leave Iraq, but then says, on his own website that we'd still be keeping military there to 'hunt Al Quaeda.' First he says he would never vote for the TELECOM bill, then he becomes one of few democrats to vote for it, retroactively legalizing Bush's illegal domestic spying. First he criticizes his opponent for offshore drilling, now he takes it up as if the same idea from him is visionary.
The list of promises about bringing 'change' is growing shorter and shorter...

If you are going to find oil, it will only be on those shallow shelves in the oceans which could have been above water during the Ice Ages, that which would contain water sheds or swamps.

The most oceans offer is Natural Gas and Coal as sea life breaks down in a much different manner than the life on land.

Natural gas is man power flight.

A boat: which has a blimp above it.
The blimp uses ionizing energy matrix to gain acceleration in the atmophere.
The power source for the blimp is on the boat.
The blimp lifts the boats sails.
With enough velocity the boat will go airborn and rest on the cushion of air formed underneith a large wing.
The boat uses force water propulsion when in the water.
The blimp and upper sails can meet the boat and seal around the deck and so create a floating/submersible while the balast tanks acctually prevent the boats flight as opposed to allowing its descent under the waves.

These are smaller pleasure craft.

Natural gas provides an easy source for Helium and Hydrogen from The American reserve or the Russian reserve respectively.

Internal cumbustion is coals duty, oil is lubrication and plastics. Trains used to burn coal. Electricity powers individual small land vehicles.

Marijuana is a substance which allows those without dutiful work the ability to remain patient, but this is in a world imperfect, the more perfect happiness only uses marijuana for smoking the snakes which threatened family or friend.

Apprentices should begin to learn their craft at age twelve, but when college replaces the skills learned by the apprentice, one is thrity before a trade is honestly begun. Someone is stalling advancement because of their own insidious natures.

You mean using common sense to govern? But, we're use to politics being a big game of all or nothing with a clear winner and loser. If we start being practical now, well, where is the fun in that. I mean, look where playing games has gotten us.

To be serious, why would this country want to continue on the same path we've gone down for the past seven years. Aren't we tired of this?

Don't you people get it? Gasoline is just about obsolete at this point! Oil as fuel is just about obsolete! It would take more than a decade for any new oil wells to lower the price of gasoline. Can you wait ten yeas for getting around to cost less than it does now? I can't! And even if we did drill for more oil, burning it would just cause more dramatic climate shifts than we're facing now! The oil companies have to suck it up and face reality: their old business model is dying, and they need to embrace newer technologies. At least if we invest in those, we'll see a return on our investment within a few years, and we won't be diggin a deeper hole to climb out of in the process.

Of course it makes sense to offer such a compromise to the Republicans who wouldn't dare do anything for the planet out of sheer goodwill, but instead have to make their oil buddies more money.

I don't begrudge Barack making the concession, however, I just wish CNN wouldn't attempt to frame his position as a flip-flop to engage the audience.

WOW FLIP FLOP OBAMA!!! This guy is a total racist liar. Hillary had this guy pegged right from the beginning. He is a waste of perfectly good oxygen. You can not beleive a word out of his mouth. 100% politician.

Hillary supporter
McCain 08

The senator has 'railed' against using off shore drilling as the only way to respond to our energy crisis. McCain hasn't offered anything more...Obama has always said that can't be the only answer...that we need to do other things as well. Geez...don't you guys have any of his past statements on file? It' wouldn't be that hard to tell it like it is.

I am tired of the tendency for people to cast a "Flip-Flop" label. Responsible leaders take into consideration all of the facts and information as they define and refine policy positions.

The variables of a situation can change. If any one is really paying attention to what Senator Obama says, they would notice that his positions are laced with substantive and purposeful caveats. He is cautious to make certain that he prefaces his remarks with an "if" before he offers the "then".

He has repeatedly said that if offshore dilling is the only thing that is being offered up to solve the gas price crisis it is a rouse. He has also said that there is a need to address why so many areas of leased land have not been prospected and drilled for oil. His concern is that the oil companies are only seeking to use the idea of off-shore dilling as a way to secure more leases and therefore consume more territory.

Obama does not want us to relent to these tactics out of fear, but rather consider certain locations for drilling if coupled with other sound provisions and safe-guards. The RNC needs to get a grip and find a new playbook. The American public is not so ignorant to fall for the same tactics twice, and the Obama campaign has been very forthcoming about clarifying their message when the RNC machine does everything in their power to muddy it up.

Look at it this way, McCain denies when he shifts position, Obama explains why it might be necessary to consider something potentially viable. McCain ousts people who don't agree with him when they rear their heads at his speeches, Obama engages them and then gives them their say, despite the fact they are seated right over his shoulder.

McCain says he is going to run a campaign on the issues and then panders to the RNC and runs a Rove-like operation that only focuses on trying to make the other guy look bad.

This election is seriously a no-brainer for me. McCain has lost a great deal of respect.

As a Democrat, I'm very disappointed in Senator Obama's willingness to allow any new offshore drilling. Nonetheless, I'll still vote for him, but now with much less enthusiasm.

Okay, this is the third time I have written a comment and the topic has been deleted, one more and I boycott you CNN.

Obama is perfectly right. This is not some Policy Shift or Change as the media seems to pigeonhole. Obama does not think offshore drilling will do anything, and it won't, but the gridlock must be broken so that real reform can go through.

yes of course it's not a change in positions, cause he never does anything wrong. thank god for obama he just sooooo perfect. he wil save us all. and at the same time give all our money away to other countries through his world poverty act. i really do think he is satan. but i guess the blind will follow him anyways. oh well what can we do about the stupid but them be stupid.

Who started the rumor that the Obama supporters were intelligent, educated and sophisticated?

ANYthing but....

Smart people never would have fallen for the strategy of hating other democrats into voting for the lesser candidate you forced on them by threats and name calling.

Smart people would have seen that would backfire. The insulted, trashed, bashed, mocked, demeaned, coerced, dismissed and marginalized will not vote for those who treated them with so little respect.

I guess we stupid people vote on issues and for the candidate- we don't just look for the lever labeled "D" and mindlessly pull it.

Beware of all the women scorned- the life blood of the democratic party... bled out by the sexist, gender bias and filthy vulgar attacks on HILL and all women.

flip-flop-flip-flop-flip-flop-flop

Obama is a liar and a flip flopper! I will NEVER vote for you!

can you say hypocritical liar?

You are only for it because McCain has now caught you in the polls. Go away, Uhbama.

Fools will follow the mighty Obama.

The intelligent people see right through his propaganda.

The gang of 10 compromise is the way to go. McCain flipped on the issue a few weeks ago anyway. It takes drilling off of the table. I hope Obama now drives home the gang of 10 compromise. McCain can't do too much to with position. Because he also he also flipped on the same issue, and it's not considered a flop if you flip on the side of the people.

Hopefully, Obama will drive home the need to support the compromise.

Obama wants keep oil for domestic use
Obama wants the people of the coastal states to share in the oil wealth
Obama wants the people of the coastal state to have a say in the matter
Obama to make sure that strong proactive alternative methods invested

Good for you Barrack.

I applaud Obama for this decision to CONSIDER off-shore drilling. His stances are just like mine. I don't want off-shore drilling, but if it is part of an OVERALL energy plan which includes plans to ween the country off its dependence of oil then I can accept it. The uneducated people in this country think they can have it all one way and not make concessions. That's why Congress hasn't done anything the past few years because no one is willing to make concessions. This is the kind of leader we need.

Obama '08

Politics is compromise. What's the news here?

This flip flopper flips more than Flipper.

He unambiguously said "absolutely not" to offshore drilling of any kind; and in sarcastic rhetoric in order to underscore this certainty. "Compromise" or not, he is now at best tentatively saying "maybe" to offshore drilling. Of course, when polls continue to show popular support, this "maybe" will undoubtedly turn into "yes" on offshore drilling. "Maybe" is NOT the same thing at all as "absolutely not." This is a blatant, awkward flip-flop, no matter how hard he tries to make it sound like it has "always" been his policy.

I don't mind the shift. Flip-flopping is a part of the process. Political candidates have a lot of different interests to appeal to on the road to the Presidency. Sometimes, you're going to have to say one thing to one group and something else to the other group. In a way, this raises Obama's stock – now, he's just a plain old, human politician, and not a deified demagogue. I don't know about anyone else, but I'd rather support a human to be POTUS, instead of worshipping in a personality cult.

Still, this WAS a pretty big flip-flop. This isn't just "refining" a position on some vague withdrawal plan from Iraq. This topic was pretty simply; "you're either for it, or you're against it." Kinda of a big deal, doncha think?

Go McCain, you are right the "all of the above strategy" is the absloute right one. We must produce more energy domestically including oil drilling, more nuclear power and nateral gas for running our cars while developing viable alternatives.

Obama has buried himself too deep against drilling and we never him even say the words nuclear power. Most of the his plans involve technologies that will take decades to be effective.

Since the polls now suggest the american people want to produce our own energy it will be interesting to see how Obama will use rhetorical twisting while he flip-flops on the issue. He'll probably do what he has done recently on issues like Iraq and Iran, he will restate the policies allready in place by the Bush administration and call them his own and the pundits will call him brilliant.

Now we get what you meant by "change" Obama!

I will not vote for a candidate who supports offshore drilling for fossil fuels. I further cannot trust someone who supports the fable that offshore drilling will help lower American gas prices. It is way past time that we Americans broke the oil addiction and went to renewable energy sources. We can be leaders in this effort or be forced to do it in the long run anyway. I wish Al Gore were running.

When is everyone going to see this flip flopper does not know what he wants. He needs to worry what the American people want and need. His entire campaign is self centered. Sorry people but that is how I see him.

An energy policy is going to be key for both of the candidates. There are 90 days left in this presidential race and Obama's position gets more and more unclear.

Hi Jack, (forgot to add my name and place)

glad he change. It shows that he does change and compromise and does not expect only others to change. But it is clear that his change or compromise will not change high gas prices. So republicans cannot make people believe that Obama changed because they were right. In their minds they are right because that's the only thing they can come up with! Obama understands that wall street must have some level of responsibilities by asking them some taxes on their oil profits. Wall street will not exist if main street disappear and vice versa! Obama understands that we need cooperation and compromise from both sides, from wall street to main street and a transparent and efficient government structures and programmes for health, education, environment on top of having confidence on companies and people's innovation to get out of this mess!

Diane Dagenais Turbide
Quebec, Canada

This makes perfect sense to me. it is unrealistic for one party to think they will get everything they want and the other party will get nothing. all ideas should be on the table. We should consider nuclear, oil drilling, wind, solar, etc. For those that think drilling itself is the answer you are fools. For those that think wind and solar are the answer you are fools.

Obama is noting but a empty suit!!!!

He is nothing but a ONION cry cry cry!!!

This man is whack big time!!!

Latinos for McCain 08

It's too bad we are so short sighted. We could save ourselves a lot of trouble if we considered potential consequences.

Obaaaaaaaaaamaaaa?! Dude.......please stop flip flopping. You are moving to the center way too much! No one is going to trust you......just like Bill. Are you trying to become Bill Clinton? I am going to vote for you because I hate McCain....because he's pretty much the worst candidate I have ever seen. But what happened Obama? What happened to NAFTA and FISA? What happened to not getting into "the same old Washington game?" You beat Hillary Clinton because you stood your ground, and when people heard you talk in interviews, you sound like such a down to earth person. You're looking more and more like regular politician everyday! Please get a hold of yourself man! Remember our constitution! Eliminate FISA, eliminate the "Patriot" Act. We need you to restore accountability and credibility to the White House! If you don't do that then (even being the lesser of two evils) you'll still be a sad and weak president.

Obama is a very smart leader. Why would people not want him to be our president?!

OBAMA KEEPS CHANGING HIS VIEWS ON EVERY ISSUE

WHAT WILL BE HIS PERSONAL TRUTH ON THESE ISSUES

IF...IF...HE BECOMES PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF???

I DONT KNOW WHO WILL BE THE REAL OBAMA IN OFFICE

OBAMA FLIP FLOPS

OBAMA FLIP FLOPS

OBAMA FLIP FLOPS

CNN 4 Article for 8-2 -08 no Comments HUH!!

What'd Barry O have for breakfast?

Waffles?

ONE THING WE CAN COUNT ON IS THAT

OBAMA WILL BEGIN A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

TO GET THIS NATION'S INDEPENDENCE FROM

AMERICAN & ARAB OILMEN. HE WOULD ADD FAIRNESS

TO THE PROCESS. THAT'S ALL WE WANT. IF THAT WERE

THE CASE,FOR THE PAST 8 YEARS, THE PRICE WOULD

HAVE GONE UP,BUT NOT WHERE IT IS NOW. MOST

ECONOMISTS THINK IT WOULD BE AROUND $2.30, NO $5.00

THE SPENDING IN IRAQ & OUR OUTSTANDING DEBT, HAS

DEVALUED OUR DOLLAR BY AS MUCH AS 30%.

THE CHANEY OIL DEREGULATION OF PREDATORY

SPECULATION PRACTICES (ENRON TYPE) HAS ADDED

ANOTHER 25-30% TO THE PRICE.THIS IS JUST GREED.

If a Democrat changes his mind to represent the will of the people, Republicans like to paint them as flip-floppers. That is exactly why the Republican brand is in shambles today–because they refuse to honor the will of the people. However, they will cater to lobbbyists, special interests groups, and big business. Ask McCain if he does not take money from any of the aforementioned, and he will say that he does not want to talk about that right now.

MoeCain and his other two Stooges, need to take there circus act some where else!
.
Sen. Bozo The Clown MoeCain
Since Obama doesn't want to say it, I will.
What A Bunch Of Clowns.
Where Just Getting OurFunny On America!

Every body were a slave to somebody else at one time of another, but it were call serf for some. I see it today as a none isure so just find some more important thing to talk about like the economy which affecting most every. Have a bless day to all.

Obama is going to say anthing, or promise anything to be elected. He attended a church for 20+ years and then abandoned it because it got to be a liability to his campaign.

I believe that the senator is showing good common sense in his energy policy. Off shore drilling is not the "cure all" for the high energy prices that driving the majority of Americans up the wall. It is a part of the long term answer though. As Americans we need to develop other sources of energy. Unfortunately, this will require that Americans will also have to lose their selfish attitude of " I should gain the benefit with out any whatsoever cost to myself"....ie.. "No wind generator farms in MY view " (re. Recent developments off Cape Cod etc.).... And if technoligy allows coal to be used cleanly and efficently, take advantage of that. Enough of the "knee-jerk" reactions that have prevented refineries and nuclear power plants from being built while greater and greater demands are being made on the existant energy sources. There are no quick and easy "fixes" to the problems we face, any one who makes such claims is a liar, and those who believe it are fools.

The guy has never taken a stand on anything – except his desire for power. Change by itself means nothing –

This guy is dangerous folks, really dangerous. Wake up !!

OK, now this is a wee bit ridiculous. This man has NO positions on anything other than what is expedient for him at that very moment. I'll will give him this, he is about CHNAGE, CHANGING EVERYTHING IF IT DOES NOT SUIT HIS POLL NUMBERS. People are finally starting to get this man! Finally!

Must Read, people: Obama Nation by Corsi, well researched and four stars on Amazon.com. Get informed and you won't be surprised anymore by what this man does?

Enough of the Flip-Flop Charge for both Obama and McCain. We have democratic principles in this country and we are allowed to speak our individual mind to society. When society checks and rebuttals your ideas, you may come to a new realization. Therefore, you can change your mind with new evidence and reasons that make sense. Real, open-minded people who want to do the right thing do are capable and rightfully can do it. However, we do need the candidates to have a solid comprehensive plan by the convention and annouced at the event. Afterwards, they need to stick to it till the Election.

I think he keeps forgeting how simple the country is. He explains too much. People what a person who will state there position, keep it until he is elected, and then change to what really needs to be done. Dont confuse the voters with to much facts.

Change change change , is this what he means....changing his mind every other day....

Compromise is part of working together. If neither side is willing to concede on any issue than we will always have gridlock. All avenues must be explored in order to provide a comprehensive plan for our future.

Drilling in areas already leased to the oil companies is such a way. If offshore drilling can help even a little, WHILE we find alternative energy sources, then it should be considered.

Doesnt sound like a flip flop to me, sounds like someone is being realistic instead of proposing unrealistic black and white extremist solutions.
Simple:1) make oil companies exhaust all exploration on their land
2) If they dont find any oil- then allow for the expansion
3) Be a realist and hedge your bets- have an alternative plan and dont be reliant on one idea, look for alternative fuels

Fair enough. Vote OBAMA!!

I was pretty critical of Obama for flip-flopping on FISA, but I don't see this as a flip flop. He is not endorsing offshore drilling, just saying that he won't use it as a litmus test for any energy bill that might contain other provisions that he supports, such as investment in alternative energy sources. Most energy bills are mix of good and bad and senators (and a president) have to decide if the good outweighs the bad.

Obama changes his mind on YET another issue. But the worst part is, his whole point was that drilling wasn't going to accomplish anything, so why support "limited" drilling. If it's not going to help, DON'T DO IT. It is so hard to take anything obama says seriously.

People are missing the point: Reaching across the aisle or bipartisanism doesn't mean you get all you want and the other party get nothing.

Obama doesn't believe drilling the US oil reserve of 3% will dent the oil price at the current 25% US consumption of global oil. In fact, he believes by the time the local oil hits the market – the price would be over $10 per gallon and any price change would be only in cents.This is also mainly the Democrats' argument – of course plus destroying the environment.

But McCain recently fell in love with drilling and joined the die hard Republicans who want oil anywhere there is a smell of it. That means you've a gridlock!

When you get to that point – the losers are the American people.

Now – why is it wrong to compromise so that at the end – it's the American people who win? I thoughts that what the Presidents are supposed to do. Win some – lose some! That's what we do in normal life – isn't it?

I think those who love and hate Obama should know by now from his words: He thrives on "Sticks and Carots" sort of. Remember FISA bill, courting Iran to give up Uranium enrichment etc. That's how he believes things will get done.

And like he said, if you don't like his ways of thinking – you can vote for NADER or run for Office yourself!!!!

Typical hypocrisy from the King of Flip Flop- Barack O'Liar. Does this guy have any principles at all? Makes Nixon look like a saint.

Isn't this the guy that just two days ago said absolutely NO to offshore drilling. WAKE UP people, he's not what he says he is. New Politics, yeah right. He will say anything to get your votes folks. That's all he does is talk talk talk.

Unbelievable that's he's made it so far and people are in love with him.

Why is it so hard for people to understand Obama's position: its really very simple- Mandate that the oil companies use the untapped leased landt that they have 68MILLION acres- and IF nothing is found after that exploration, then allow for the expanision of drilling. But while that initial exploration is being conducted, government should encourage the discovery of alternative fuel technologies-

Given the rhetoric, it seems that to some folks, any attempt at reaching a compromise is to be derided as "flip flopping."

The curious thing is that these very same folks go on and on about a "do-nothing" government whose members are "unwilling to compromise."

As the old saying goes, you often get the government you deserve.

It bothered me at first when I heard he would support offshore drilling, and I still don't like the idea, but I think he has a good point. If he's able to make some bipartisan effort to alleviate the gas prices, then I'll support it. It's too bad so many people are pushing for the off shore drilling when the government already has thousands of acres it could allow to be drilled. The other sad thing is soon all the neoconservatives are going to come out screaming, "Flip-flop, flip-flop," all the while ignoring how many changes McCain himself has made. I wish people could have a reasonable dialogue without getting so worked up or losing sight of the real issues.

LOL. He attacked Hillary for this stand and now the king of flip-flops is clarifying his position again. If a person changes his position so many times now, how can I trust that person as President? Is this why the DNC picked Obama? For all of the Obama supporters, your candidate did not win the popular vote, the SUPER Delegates pushed him over the top. He LOST EVERY major state in the primaries. In other words, the DNC ELITISTS choose the nominee.

Good! No need to politicize the issue – we need the oil, it's there for the taking, lets leave those terrorist jerks high and dry.

This is not about republican vs. democrat – it's about insuring our country has the resources we need.

I don't know whether to praise him for being open-minded to suggestions, or to criticize him for being a flip-flop like Kerry. I must say I did like Obama better during the Democratic primaries. He's exposing his naiveness way too often these days. But frankly, I'm not impressed with either of these two candidates.

Obama is spot on. Promises were made during the 1970's in relation to the same issues today, for creating the oil fields ports, terminals and Alaska pipeline. Yet those promises have yet to be fulfilled. The Alaska pipe line has been running at no more than 55% of capacity because of maintenance issues for the past seven year. Lastly half the oil coming out of the pipeline goes to Japan, under an 1955-58 treaty. So Obama is right in making sure that U.S. Off shore crude comes to the U.S. markets as a solution to our energy needs.

I believe the ofshore drilling is not the sole answer to rising gas price. I see the whole idea as capitalist greed. the oil companies have leases they have not exploited, yet they are asking for more leases offshore. What about the leases they have already? What about the oil fields they simply capped? Why can't they focus on these lease and drill them without asking for new leases? If there are hinderances to exploiting these existing leases; why can't they work on removing those hinderances and start immediately to drill what they already have? I believe those oil companies and John MCcain are playing games on us. Besides, New leases today will take about 8 10 years to hit the market. So, how will that impact the oil prices now? I buy Obama's call for a comprehensive energy policy that will save us from the grip of oil companies and dependence on oil. I believe we have the capacity and the technology to develop alternative energy resources that will hit the market in fewer years than oil drilling and free us from dependence on oil. MCain should stop decieving us with false hope of lowering gas prices with more oil drilling.

Hey CNN- how many ticker items for Obama are you going to post?

You are still pretending Obama is the president already.

The more pro-Obama adulation and adoration... the fewer pro-Obama votes.

Realize this...Oil take 7-10 years to get from the ground and then to us. Obama will be exiting his second term by the time this "answer" to our energy problems even makes a difference. The real answer is to not stand down, protect our oceans, and use the energy from the sun and wind. McCain wants NUCLEAR!?! 3mile island...Chernobyl... NO THANKS! Obama must not accept any plan that requires any type of off shore drilling, if he does he is a coward and doesnt truly push for CHANGE. he would be doing what any politician willing to win would do.
GREEN 08

proves what a panderer he is.

BRING HILLARY CLINTON BACK.

As much as Democrats hate it, drilling is part of the solution. It is not the solution. I think everything needs to be on the table, including wind, solar, nuclear, and anything else that is viable.

I knew Obama would have to put the drilling on the table.

Good! As a Democrat, Im happy. I was thinking the same thing. Only a person who is willing to meet halfway on tough issues is capable of being our president.

Half way on drilling off coast and ANWAR OFF LIMITS

and a partial windfall profits tax. Everyone is satisfied.

Drilling oil will help us in 7-10 years and a small windfall tax will help us NOW!

Does it take Barack Obama to solve these problems?

Maybe we need 100 Barack Obamas' in Congress to finally get things done!

i support obama, and i think we should consider offshore oil drilling.

personally, i'm not convinced that offshore oil drilling will have any effect at all on gas prices, but the job of the president, and any elected official for that matter, is to abide by the will of the people.

and right now, whether drilling will work or not, the majority of the people are in favor of it.

it's good that obama isn't so stubborn that he would ignore a shift in the will of the people, like bush did concerning iraq.

As someone who has been following your election issues very closely, I am happy to see that Obama is considering drilling offshore. As long as you will be driving automobiles for a considerable length of time, it is folish of any one to exclude domestic oil production in the equation. I have not been thrilled by McCain's campaign but his reversal on offshore drilling would have given Obama a similar cover. He did not have to waite until the Republicans shamed him into making a similar 180 degree turn. Obama is still right to oppose gas tax holidays because that is pure pandering and very false approach to your energy prices. We actually pay more for gasoline here in Canada than you folks do in the USA.

Another flip flop from BO! How could he possibly answer that call at 3am? Hillary was right all along.

The Messiah has mis-spoken!

A flip by any other name is still a flop.

Trust us, Senator Obama, we know the goods when we see them and your not the goods!

He sees his numbers starting to go down in the polls and now he wants to re-think off-shore drilling? This guy really does just go with the wind. i am now starting to see who THE ONE really is. He will do anything to get votes it seems.

He is ridiculous. I am a staunch Democrat who finds Obama's flip-flopping repulsive. He will do anything to get votes.

Finally, a candidate who gets it. If all we're doing is drilling for oil, then that's a sure way to failure. If we drill for oil a part of a comprehensive plan that includes nuclear, wind, and solar power with the goal of either greatly reducing or completely ending our dependence on foreign oil, then that's a vision worth pursuing. I look forward to Obama putting out this plan. It's sure that McCain won't.

" read my lips, no new taxes"! does anyone actually believe anything that ANY politician says!? if so, you are probably 1 of the 25% that thinks bush is a good president! voting another yes man into office will do nothing but continue to make the U.S. into a 3rd world country! what have they done to enforce the constitution against the present administration! NOTHING!! another election will solve nothing.. we need to totally scrap our foreign policies and keep tax dollars here or withhold the money until we are properly represented! is anybody listening?

Flip floppng, as well as the predicable dirty trick, underhanded campaigning of the Republican Party, will make the campaign of Obama a very difficult task.
CNN, through the efforts of the "Lou Dobbs team," are contributing to Obama's troubles, through CNN's obvious support and prefernce for McCain.
I can understand CNN 's partiality, since Obama's plan to tax those earning over $200,000 "more fairly" will effect their [CNN newscasters], wallets.
The US will have another 8 years of Bush, through McCain, and the US will further decline, both domestically and internationally.

Obama suggest diplomacy, and McCain attacks him for it. This is starting to get old...like McCain.

Wow I can't find one issue the senator actually stands for. Obama seems to be changing his positions daily.

"This wasn't a new position"????

While I think Obama made the right choice to support offshore drilling as part of a comprehensive energy policy, why can't he just admit that he changed his mind? What's so horrible about changing position if it's the right thing to do? I want a president who is flexible, and will change his position if he or she realizes that the change is indeed the best way to resolve a problem. For a candidate who is using the word "change" as his standard, Obama's fear of admitting that he has changed positions in several issues is downright ridiculous. Just explain to the American people why you are changing your position, Obama. People will understand as long as there is a reasonable explanation, as opposed to political expediency.

I hope Obama continues to stand up against oil drilling. Stop the war, and put those resources to use to get alternative sources of energy out to the people. There's millions of acres of land already approved to be drilled and the oil company's not drilling on them. This is just a campaign issue that Republican's think they can use to turn voters against the Democrats. Let's use our brains and move forward, not backwards – Obama can get us on the right track. All McCain is doing is attempting to undermine Obama at the country's expense and attempting to put more more billions & billions of dollars in the big oil company's'pockets – I wonder how much in contributions McCain gets from big oil? I believe, if I remember correctly, that candidates can't accept campaign contributions of oil companies, but I'll bet he's getting plenty of money from their execs. This country has to change.

It sure an easier answer, to attack some one, as a flip-flopper, than respond to his thoughtful reconsideration of his stance on a given issue. Any thoughtful politician will re-position himself on any important issue, if he is a thinking individual. Look at the tragedy that is in play in Iraq, at the moment, all because of a Republican administration not wanting to reconsider their position on the occupation of Iraq and her Oil Fields. That is what happens when a politician locks himself into any given position and will not re-evaluate their position. It has tragic consequences. "Flip- Flop" is the same nonsensical as the " Commie " attacks were. Meaningless words used to try to belittle or smear someone. Unfortunately, that is all Senator McCain and the Republicans have to offer America. Let's get rid of the vast majority of the Republicans. they haven't earned the privilege to be reelected to anything, not even, dog-catcher.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.

Everyone that is saying that Obama flipped on this issue need to remember that McCain flipped first. And Obama is not pushing it like McCain is because he knows it is neither a short-term or long-term solution. He doesn't want us to take our eye of the ball of making sure we stop depending on oil – foreign or otherwise. We need to not be lulled into the idea that we are somehow doing all we can versus feverishly trying to find alternatives. If compromising on this point gets that done, so be it.

So what are the real numbers? How much oil have they found? How much would it cost to get it? What percentage of our imported oil would it replace? Where is it?How much do the oil companies expect in even more breaks? Who fixes the beaches and reefs? Lost fishing and tourism? Does anyone at CNN do any research or investigative reporting they would like to share? You know, try at least acting like a free press.

Journalism bears a certain ethical responsibility.

Just add it to the list of Obama flip-flops:
Offshore drilling
FISA
Gun Control
Iraq
The surge
public financing
union contributions
illegal immigration
the fence with Mexico
decriminalization of marijuana
NAFTA
capital punishment
Abortions permitted for mental distress
faith based initiatives
Rev. Wright
His church
his 'typical white person' grandmother
What's next? Renaming his kids? This guy isn't even ready to follow, let alone being ready to lead.

Obama has become a poll driven opportunist who will go as the wind blows to get elected. It would be refreshing to know what his stance really is. America are you ready to elect an enigma? I cannot.

Its called compromise people, if you can't compromise you have no business governing. Remember the great compromise of the late 1700's, that was true government. Its disgusting how everytime someone is willing to compromise we try to label them as a flip-flopper. Thats whats created this gridlock in government, politicians are too scared voters will label them if they COMPROMISE! Wake up, thats what you're supposed to do to get things done and serve the interests of this country. A president is the president of the UNITED STATES, not just the Red states or the Blue states, therefore he must be willing to serve the interests of both sides instead of ignoring one side in favor of the other like our current president.

Ummm.. Why is it so bad to change your mind if you are a politician. I for one am glad that there's a man who listens to reason and makes a change when needed.

McCain has is right–oil is directly related to terrorism and our
dependence of it is causing problems. We need to pursue
alternative solutions. This article just shows how little Obama
really does know about running the world.

Being willing to compromise for the greater good or bigger picture is not flip-flopping. Even though more offshore drilling is an obvious GOP and Big Oil ploy to further rape this country of it's economic and natural resources. If Obama can corner them into dedicating their future time and money to alternative energy cultivation just by giving them a fraction of what they're asking, then I'm all for that.

I just fear that they will agree to try alternative energy research, but not dedicate themselves to it at all. These Oil Companies are as scandalous as the current administration. They'll find a way to swindle the people somewhere in the deal I'm afraid.

John McCain has Obama just where he wants him, explaining everything. I thought the O camp was smarter than that.

Hang in there, it's going to be a bumpy ride O supporters.

Why is it okay for McCain to change his mind on an issue – which he's done countless times – but when Obama does it he has no backbone? Why is it okay for Reagan to be "The Great Communicator" when he spouts fancy "morning is America" rhetoric but with Obama he is merely speechifying – even though his proposals are more pragmatic and substantive – and his "words mean nothing." Why are Republicans so good at tearing things down and so bad at governing? Do they hate government so much that they're willing to destroy the core values as set forth by the Constitution as well as the nation's infrastructure? It's time for balance. Are we so unwilling to change that we're willing to continue to align ourselves with liars, cheaters and theives as we've done with Bush/Cheney just to maintain power? Extremists have taken over our government and it's political discourse – and that includes the press – leaving it to the rogues to bring change. That's what frightens you about this movement. Obama '08

lol to flip or to flop.....that is the real question to "which stratagy obama will use for this election."

I'm an Obama supporter, and he is really making things harder for himself. I don't understand the direction the campaign is going. Why add on another item that his opponents can say he flipped flopped. I don't get it, and I'm pretty disgusted right now.

I also hate the appearance of trying to be liked all the time. Just take a position and stick to it.

HE DIDDNT SHIFT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its not like he said "gotcha" and switched and did a 180

Here are some other things he said......

“If we come up with a genuine bipartisan compromise, where I have to accept some things that I don’t like in order to get energy independence, that’s something I will have to consider,”

Plus this proposed bill

The proposed bill, from his point of view, offers some attractions. It would strip oil companies of $30 billion in tax breaks, renew tax breaks for solar and wind power, and give consumers a tax credit to buy electric or fuel cell cars.

This is called a compromise......all good negotiators do it.......Obama would be a great president because he puts all the options on the table.........so we might be able to drill, but only if we can erase the tax credits oil companies get to invest in energy independence

I dont see McCain backing this because his buddies in the oil companies would freak........This shows that Obama is no friend to big oil

Brilliant.

Anyone with a BRAIN knows that issues change and when you are in a Presidential candidate role you need to be flexible. The thing hat I admire about Sen. Obama that he is willing to think outside the box and listen to both sides of the isle, not just a democratic side. AS President you have to be open to changes in your approach based on what's BEST of the country.

Off shore drilling may NOT be the answer to our prayers, it NOT a "quick fix" to our oil and high gas prices, but it STILL needs to be addressed intelligently and effectively. Sen. Obama is very INTELLIGENT, as a Harvard Grad, he knows ALL the facts and will decide accordingly. Unlike our current Administration and John McCain. McCain has done nothing but focus on "negative" ads week, after week. I mean, will all the time he's spending attacking Sen. Obama, you'd think he'd be able to discuss the ISSUES of the country rather than putting together a "Brittney and Paris Hilton" ad. It's downright silly.

Obama is such a young puppy, send him back to the kennel!

Why are people so opposed to politicians shifting their positions? I'd be afraid if a politician didn't shift his/her views every once in a while to reflect the realities of the issues at hand.

When last did you go to the store and change your mind on what you originally intended on purchasing, due to better available options based on current circumstances? Does that make you a flip flopper? How naive we can all be! They are allowed to flip flop, because things happen and times change. The question to ask is whether this modification of view benefits you? Get a grip America! Whine about the economy, not about flip flops!

Obama is not a flip-flopper, he is both ways Obama. Change you can believe just as long as you vote for me.

A man that doesn't know what he stands for, stands for nothing.

Obama is simply a panderer, nothing more, which only makes him very dangerous for us all.

What do you know - someone willing to compromise with the Other Party to accomplish something useful. This might look strange to people who are used to presidents and Congresses that are ideologically rigid and that have equated compromise with weakness instead of with the necessities of governing in a way that accomplishes something. Inflexibility is not strength but weakness. An unwillingness to seek compromise is not being principled; it's being tyrannical - not useful anywhere and especially not in a democracy.

I really don't know why Republicans are talking about offshore drilling. If it doesn't provide us any benefit for about 10 years or so, what is the point? Why don't the oil companies fix refineries they already have?
We need to be focusing on alternative fuel types. Global warming is a real threat that we are ignoring and we need to take action.

He flip-flopped when he saw that offshore drilling polled well. Plain and simple. Same old politics.

There is no evil moving to the direction of a compromis that the senate has finally come up with. I applaude the senator on the right path.
Nganenu

Every time a candidate offers a modification of a previously stated position, they are called "flip-flopers." The truth is that we live in a dynamic ever-changing world. To stake out a position and never vary from it is a sign of stubbornness, and not realistic. Only those who are willing to refine or modify stated positions can effectively govern. Just look at George Bush's record of obstinate, unyeilding positions, and where they have gotten us.

Frank Lawlor
Virginia Beach, VA

Yup, just another flip flop by Obama, or is it? Could this be evidence of leadership in compromise, bending on oil drilling to promote a more comprehensive plan? Is he then just adopting McCain's plan? It doesn't appear that way, but for those who insist that Obama is just blowing hot air, they will refuse to see or investigate the real differences between the two. Ironically, these candidates are both politicians (that is the nature of their positions), but the real panderer is not Obama, as is evident by the McCain advertisements. Yes, I want Obama to win the election even though I normally despise the major party candidates, but what I really want is the people of the United States to ignore campaign rhetoric on all sides and thoroughly investigate all candidates for president. It's more important to be an informed citizen (something this country lacks), then it is to hold on to ridiculous tag lines like empty suit or McSame, for these offer no real substance by which to make an informed decision.

Peace my brethren and may your reason guide you better than your emotion.

So if in your life you make a compromise at work or at home because its in the best long term interests of your life and your family, does that make you a flip-flopper or a sensible, flexible person? Obama 08!

His basic statement is still correct: ""It's not going to provide short-term relief or medium-term relief or in fact long-term relief. It won't drop prices in this administration or in the next administration or in the administration after that,". However, if you need to compromise to get something done, so be it. Amazing how the press seems to want a President who can work across party lines but, if they include any ideas suggested by the other side, it is a flip-flop and a severe negative.

Why doesn't the press ask some basic questions instead of feeding controversy. For example:
When most of the increases in price have historically been blamed on refinery outages, not oil shortages, what is being done to increase the refining capacity? What commitment is there that the offshore oil will even be refined in the US, let alone applied to the market there – what stops the oil companies from shipping it to China to be refined and sold? Oil is sold based on a global market – Opec will still be in control of the total supply and therefore price; why do you expect the price to be lower in the US? Why aren't they drilling in the offshore territories now available? What is an acceptable level of enviromental damage?

he is trying to save the party's butts from loss votes coming this november......i wonder if pelosi and reed had anything to do with this decision CHANGE we can believe in ....in my opinion this shows his in experience and lack of good JUDGMENT///

Again,.....a refinement of a comment and stance which when analized is a FLIP FLOP. Anything said to upset the image of OB will be adjusted or refined. How about telling all of us why you won't pledge allegience, wear a flag pin, and never told us what you voted for while a Senator?. Obama's affiliation with black Liberation idiology, Black Power or just his diverse background makes him a VERY POOR candidate to run our great country.
Remember when the Cuban people had an opportunity to respond to a man preaching CHANGE, RELIEF TO THE POOR, etc , etc. These are the words pronounced by FIDEL CASTRO, .We must be careful what change we ask for. We might well regret the choice for the rest of our lives, just like the Cubans. If a Colin Powell or similar American Black leader was running, I would be happy to vote for him. Not because he is black, but because he is a Black ,Patriotic American who has devoted his life and all his energies for our great country. We don't need more black power or white power, we need a patriot who will guide this country back to what it is capable of.

This guy can use more words to say NOTHING than anyone I've ever known.

Poser, phony, liar, FAKE.

What, REALLY, does everyone see in BO?

If he had just said that instead of demonizing republicans as schemers,then we wouldn't be having this discussion now would we. It was a flip-flop and Dems know it.No where in his speach the other day did he even hint at compromise instead we saw a politician pandering to thier brainwashed er I mean card carrying party members to,But don't worry Dems McCain does it too.

Latest flip flop b/c the polls are tied. Wow! What a chameleon, he is not white or black he is BLANK!

Why do we always point fingers when this question comes up? Why do we not consider ourselves at fault for the problem? At least, in part? We are the consumers; we are the ones who do not carpool; we are the ones who drive everywhere, refusing any other form of transportation. And yet, we never (nor CNN) consider our OWN CONSUMPTION as a cause for high prices! How foolish we are.

Obama do not get into arguing and debating McCains "Smear Tactics". You were correct when you said during the primaries that winning the primaries and indeed getting elected is going to be tough! It seems to me that "fear" may unfortunately triumph over your message of "change". Keep getting out your message and it is left to the American people to pick their leader in November. My motto is 'you get what you deserve". If the choice is frail, old bungling McCain who has no new ideas or new policies, who looks frail and weak and is not very eloquent, then so be it! I know you, Michelle and the girls will be okay no matter what! Nuff said...

CNN POST THIS

not the cheap "sorry" and "declaration of equality" in paper,

which doesn't change a thing in reality.

This is not a flip-flop. Obama clearly stated that he still opposes offshore drilling. The recent comments he made were that while he still opposes it, drilling may need to be a compromise made with Republicans in order to achieve the greater goal of energy reform. This is not a difficult concept to grasp.

Or, in Obama's own words, he doesn't want "the best to be the enemy of the good". If we can be better off overall through compromise than we would be if we stubbornly refused to budge on our positions, then compromises need to be made when necessary.

A flip-flop is saying that Bush's tax cuts are reprehensible, and then later saying that you support them whole-heartedly as McCain did. Being open to compromise however, is not a flip-flop.

I don't care who advocates for it, all the off-shore drilling in the world still will not put one drop of gasoline in my tank before I retire.
What's the point ?

Obama tied with Mccain in the Gallup Poll

Change we can all believe in!!!

Hillary 08

That's excellent. He's willing to compromise. Something congress should learn to do.

Is that the change that you can believe? Obama keeps on changing his plans !?!?!?

just say "sorry" and declare "everbody's equal" and everything's hunky dory?

who do you think you're fooling?

When you people figure out the two party system is two sides of the same coin, the sooner we can take this country back from the claws of Corporatism aka Fascism. You might see minor policy changes, but it's business as usual on the Hill. Your only choice for change is picking a lesser evil. Like choosing between Henry Kissinger and Zbigniew Brzezinski. Both of them are slime that crawled out from the underneath the skirt of the Military Industrial Complex, your real masters. Welcome to the machine, consumer slaves.

This again shows Obama has no convictions, just says what people want to hear, and America is drinking him up.

the oil drilling poll isone sided . i believe if asked if big oil should use what is already been leased or they lose them. you would have the same results, but then like congress, the media are tied to the oil lobby not to mention drug companies as they are some of your biggest advertisment revenue.

WHERE IS MY COMMENT CNN??????

This is a very bright thinking , I do think he is on the right channel.
Keep it up Barrack. The American people love you and will always. dont allow wicked distractors to sway your good intensions

Flip Flop Flip Flop....

Why should we believe anything he says. He will say anything to get elected.

McCain has actually flip/flopped on topics over and over and there is no big deal with it. Take for instance McCain flat out lied recently saying he fought for the MLK Jr holiday in his state even though the record shows he was very out spoken against it. Silly season has become even worse this time around.

In other words, " I don't know where I stand, but I'll wait and see if someone else says something that sounds good, and then I'll say that's always been my position. Let me know when we have a qualified candidate.

Keep up Barack. you're the future of the american people , the ultimate measure of a leader is not where he stands in times of comfort and convinience but where he stands in moments of challenge and controversy. Ultimately you are the leader the american people need .KUDOS BARACK

obama is such a liar.

Obama the Flip-Flopper – where is Hillary – WE NEED HER! I hope all fellow democrats see this guy as the politician he said he wasn't. There is nothing new about him. Change is not the answer. Hillary was about making the system work for US. Another win for the Democrats down the tube...next we'll find out this liar is taking money from Lobbyists. Oh wait, he already does.

Keep up Barack. you're the future o the american people , the ultimate measure of a leader is not where he stands in time of comfort and convinience but where he satnds in moments of challenge and controversy. Ultimately you are the leader the american people need .KUDOS BARACK

I like Obama. He is great. His vision,His judgment, is great.When i look at my avto tire i think about my new president Barry Obama. "thanks" God for Obama. I will vote for him becouse I am white and If i will vote against him i will call racist. God please help me not be racist. His race card very smart play. It make avry white people fell guilty if they don't vote for KING obama.

Obama shows time and time again that he is way more in touch with the reality of our situation than McCain. Let's not forget how in bed the republicans are with oil companies. of COURSE they'd want more drilling. That means MORE money for them!

Off shore drilling is a gimmick to the American people. It wouldn't even come into effect for another 10 years and only scratch a few cents off the cost of oil. Don't eat what the republicans spew. Off shore drilling is a waste of American tax dollars. There's a reason republicans support off shore drilling. They're in close ties with these oil companies. It's all a sham!

Do people also remember why Bush won in 2000 and 2004? He played the smear attacks like McCain is doing now. Do we need ANOTHER Bush?!

We need to end this nonsense and move our country in the right direction again. VOTE OBAMA. He is FOR THE PEOPLE.

CHANGE.......what a Joke. Up down black white yes no maybe so, whatever the people want to hear anytime anywhere.
Does this man have any beliefs...........ANY? NO, Change you can believe in "THATS FOR SURE". Leadership, Integrity, TRUST, forget it.

"Celeb" and "The One" won't get things done and fix problems. Working together will.

Obama: "What I'm interested in, ultimately, is going to be governing," he said. "What that means is we're going to have to try to get things done."

Obama: "At some point people are going to have to make decisions. Are we going to keep arguing or are we going to get things done?"

Obama: "What I don't want to do is for the best to be the enemy of the good," he said. "And if we can come up with a genuine bipartisan compromise, in which I have to accept some things that I don't like or the Democrats have to accept some things that they don't like in exchange for actually moving us in the direction of actual energy independence, then that's something I'm open to."

Anyone with any common sense knows that the president will have to compromise on issues to achieve anything. That' s what the current administration and republicans in congress just don't understand. These republicans attack if you don't compromise or if you do. Vote Democrat this election. Shouldn't even be close.

Mr. Axelrod -

McCain is making a complete fool out of himself.
In spite of which, you are still losing points.
3 points difference!!
Why don't you resign and let a strategist with brains take over.
I am disappointed that Obama has not figured this out by himself
a long time ago.
Where is Michelle? She is brighter and faster than all of you.

Now he is talking some sense!

Obama's policies just keep shifting like the wind!
I can't believe the DNC would choose this flake over Hillary Clinton...
what a joke!

Offshore drilling is pure idiocy if they consider it a long run strategy. We're drilling in the most hurricane prone parts of the country so basically what will happen is every summer, during hurricane season, all the offshore drilling will be impacted and they will raise fuel prices to "compensate the damages" and we'll be back to playing the same game we're playing now. The answer is find a cleaner alternative fuel that can employ people and industrialize the country.

Had Hillary made such a clear and understandable "clarification" the media would be all over it saying "pandering"

see? obama is switching sides...AGAIN.
how surprising.

what is this? "wasn't really a new position."????
hes been switching sides to fit the current situation and then tells people later something else.
pitiful.

Shouldn't we be shouldering this little bit of burden (high gas prices) for future generations? Shouldn't we make sure that this energy dilemma is solved in this generation, and not simply postponed? The future generations already have quite a full plate, as it were.

Obama wants to find a comprehensive solution that incorporates a number of strategies beyond that of offshore drilling. I find that to be very reasonable. McCain, on the other hand, seems to favour a bandage solution that really won't do anything to shift our dependence on fossil fuels. That, to me, is irresponsible.

I'm so discusted with the use of the term "flip-flopping", the Repug term 1st applied to Kerry. Seems unless a person is rigid and stubborn like GWB (and look what that got us!), they are called a flip-flopper about everything. What's so bad about thinking and refining your position or compromising so other's opinions are taken into account. Aside from that–Dems unite!!!

Well I don't like the idea BUT- a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. If you have to give an inch to move a mile -so be it. I just hope Obama is President so it is not exploited.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes...

How many more before election day?

How many more after?

This lifelong democrat is thoroughly depressed.

Barrack Hussein Obama is a big loser on the energy issue. Now that he's falling in the national trackers, he supports more drilling. What kind of leadership is that?

McHero McMaverick is consistently providing leadership against the grain on the 3 main issues the United States needs to address energy policy: bringing back the strong dollar, more domestic drilling, and energy diversification via the atom.

Expect a similar "my support for additional nuclear power production isn't really a new position" statement on the trail in about 2 weeks, when people get their natural gas summer energy bills.

Hey i thought it was just a scheme by McCain. Suddenly its now part of a comprehensive package... gee where did i hear that before... oh yeah – McCain!!!

With no record for us to examine so that we can know what Obama really stands for, he promises one thing on Monday and the exact opposite by Thursday.

Give me a break.

Knoxville NFIL

So, let me get this straight. The headline says.... "Obama defends offshore drilling policy change". It seems to me that the real change has been the constuctive conversations between Republican and Democratic Senators. Wonder what has prompted the turn around. Don't answer that CNN...it's obvious. It's amazing to me that when a good, honest answer to one of the nations problems is provided by Senator Obama there is immediate effort to twist and turn those responses to...let's face it....appeal to Dumb....and Dumber. The media has feasted on the low information individual far too long. This time will be different.

Well they knew full well Mclame would attack and try to frame this as a flip, but it also frames it has his is willing TO compromise and is not so ridgid in his thinking. I hope that Obama attacks back on everything, hope the in the short term the polls tighten and later after the debates and convention, builds a small but steady lead. Obama must make gains with the Independents who will decide this election. If the younger newly registered people vote, he may pull this off in a sqeaker in the popular vote and electorial vote. The way I calculate, if Obama loses Michigan he is done. If Mclame loses Fla, he is done. I think Ohio and NH will be pivital. If Obama takes the Hispanic vote, NM is his and CO by the slimist of margins. NC, MO will stay red, VA may even stay red, if not, Obama wins. There are more likely scenerios where Obama can win and less of Mclame winning. Obama can lose, but Mclame may just win by the slimist of margins, and dont count out a electorial tie, even if its way against the odds. If there is a tie, guess what it goes to the House and who controls the House....thats right DEMOCRATS!

The executive director Diversity Alliance for Sustainable America (earthtimes) have stated in it's article that if the U.S. grants amnesty and gives citizenship to 12 to 30 million illegal migrants, as Senators Obama and McCain propose. All those naturalized citizens could possibly add 120 million U.S. and foreign-born relatives to the U.S., in the next 20 years whom all would CONSUME MAJOR ENERGY. Proposals to reduce energy costs in the U.S. will not work unless we also simultaneously curb U.S. population growth by reducing immigration and curbing teen pregnancies."

Americans cannot afford to support illegal aliens here with our tax dollars, or the millions who will jump the fence in the future. Only THE FEDERAL SAVE ACT (H.R.4088)offers any chance of halting this overpopulation quagmire It's enactment will give ICE and the police more enforcement powers. Join NUMBERSUSA for free and become part of a solution and not lies.

Wow... talk about slanted pieces.
This is so disingenuous, and misleading, suggesting that "McCain's views on offshore drilling appear to match those of many Americans..."
Ummm... why no mention, that Senator McCain recently flipped on his opposition to Off-Shore Drilling?
Why are McCain's daily flips, flubs, & lies, always ignored by you guys, while Obama is held to a different standard?
The fix does seem to be in...

the obama fans dont seem to be posting coments, if it were the other way round there would have been 200 negative coments already.

Another Obama sellout.

FISA, Iraq, and off shore drilling.

Is it too late for Hillary to be the nominee?

If not, I am voting for McCain.

Once again the media thinks that we are stupid!! Obama has not changed his stance on offshore drilling. He has said he is very interested in what the Senate "gang of ten" has compromised on. Obama is being pragmatic and sensible. isn't that what we want in our leaders? He has also said he is not going to allow the oil companies to drill in areas that have not already been leased as well as not letting them have free reign. I think you need to focus more on John McCain's flip-flopping on the issue...this is one more you missed. There is a big difference changing your mind on an issue and being pragmatic. Why the higher standard for Obama?

I find the media is so bias, because whenever Senator Obama changes or refine his position. We have almost a week of back an forth of how he changed position; but Senator McCain can do the same exact same thing and their is hardly any reporting on it.
Sure, we can say we ask him about him changing, but let's face it; their is suddenly a lack of the media to focus on Senaton McCain negatives.
As for as the McCain camp trying to say that Senator Obama interjected race into this election. Thie is just ludicrist. Rick Daive is the one who interjected race into this campaign. All those reporters that was present not a one said a thing about race till Rick Davis tried to flip the script away from the American people.
Can we please get back to issues that most Americans want to hear about (universal health care, jobs, economy etc...).

It's a slippery slope you begin descending once you start backpedaling, as Obama did on FISA and public financing of his campaign. Now it's offshore drilling. So what's next and how much farther down does he intend, or is he willing, to slide?

I don't mind political pragmatism. But after building your rise to presumptive nominee on soaring rhetoric proclaiming you as a different kind of politician and then keep backsliding on a more or less weekly basis, you raise legitimate doubts about your authenticity and credibility. The issue's not whether you wear a flag on your lapel, but whether you've been flying under a false one of "change" all this time.

Going to be tricky handling this. If I were him I would attach all kinds of provisions to agreeing to some drilling. See just how much the Republicans and oil companies want to drill and what they are willing to do. One thing that comes to mind is a large amount of money the oil industry must pay up front every year in case of environmental damage. I'm sure they dont want to.

Ok McCain supporters ...."Barack flipped – blah blah"

If you people had a "surge" of intelligence, you might realize this is Barack's why of getting that idiot campaign of McCain's to focus on issues most important to Americans...as opposed to pictures of Brittany, Paris and Moses.

What losers the republicans are! They have to be tricked into talking about something substantive when unemployment is the highest in 5 years. What dults!

No matter how much Obama finesses this, it's a bad move. Listen up Obama, while voters want a candidate who shares their views, they also want somebody who sticks to his guns. Obama would do nuch better if he were to show us what his core values are and what policies he'll stand by, even if they are unpopular. Obama really wants to win he needs to start showing us who he really is and what he really believes in.

LOL, are you kidding? Watch him flip flop on that! He is only saying that to try to get more white votes. Reparations indeed!! There are no people alive today that owned a slave or was a slave, period. Bill Cosby is right, it is only being used as a crutch, "I can't do this or I can't do that because my ancestors were slaves" Baloney. Many of us had it bad back in those days, we all moved on.

Yet another flip-flop. (sigh)

It shows that Senator Obama is willing to compromise as well as work across party lines especially if there is a reasonable and constructive way of working on an issue. The off shore drilling won't bring any immediate results for those of us who feel it at the gas pumps and is by no means a soultion to the problem long term.

We already have offshore drilling. the issue is whether or not to expand ocean drilling. If compromise with the Republicans to have only a limited expansion will get "them" to agree to a broader plan that includes solar, wind and other alternatives....then it makes sense.

Otherwise the Big Oil-backed Republicans will pertually point the finger and nag about this.

what part of McCain's plan as he not listened to McCain as always said that his plan was to utilize the resources and technology that we know to sustain us while we experiment with other technology that will free us from dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuel. as always like he did with Clinton he uses a slight variation of someones idea that he originally rejected to come on board once he sees the public want it. this exact maneuver was mentioned on this blog just a week ago anticipating it was going to happen

This man is willing to move towards the middle to get things done, to stop the gridlock, very carefully overseeing everything, he is willing to work togather, and still the republicans are complaining!!! UNBELIEVABLE, he's shifted towards your position and STILL I read you calling him a flipflopper because he's willing to work with congress and compromise?? There's no pleasing you republican trash is there!

And sexist Puma, sometime's I hope Mccain wins just so he can set Women back another 200 years, the funny thing is a lot of the Puma pact are also men that wouldn't care, the women are just blindly listening to them.

We told you he would flip flop. Obama goes the way the wind blows. Fisa, gun control, NAFTA, and now drilling. How can anyone vote for this man? He stands for nothing and does not have one idea of his own. The messiah is going to lose.

I don't understand why the media is so misrepresenting this event, and why aren't any comments being posted, are they all calling you on it CNN? This isn't a policy change

Of cours Obama won't "sign off" on a plan (unless one of the choices is "Present").

DRILLING, will not solve our 'Dependence On Oil'.

America need's a 2/fold:
-Creating Green Jobs/Energy
-Climate Improvement

* AMERICA WILL HAVE TO SACRIFICE NOW, IN ORDER TO BE BETTER PREPARED FOR TOMORROW

is this politics of old?

We have had 7 years of "leadership" that would dig their heels in and not budge on any issue. This has caused us as Americans to fight against one another instead of working towards what's best for the country we all love. We finally have a potential leader who is willing to take a stand, review the evidence and take a different path if called for. Imagine where we might be if Bush had been willing to do the same thing? Isn't it time we stopped all the bickering and name calling and worked together to achieve what we all want... a strong America?

By the way: Flip Flopping is not changing ones mind in the face of new evidence etc. Flip Flopping, by it's original definition, would be to tell California you are against off shore drilling, then tell Ohio you are for it, then tell Florida you are against it, then tell tell Texas you are for it etc. etc. etc. This is not what Obama has done. He said he is still against it, but is willing to compromise if it means that we will also explore other options. Sounds like reaching across the aisle to me in order to avoid the gridlock of the past 7 years.

Me? Count me in!

Obama '08

all through the democratic primary obama talk about alternative sources of energy other than drilling. the fact the obama is looking at a compromise for the benefit of the american people, to ease their pain in their everyday life is a win for america. the combination of the two candidates ideas to solve the energy problem is the best way forward. it is unfair to say obama is following mccain's lead. thats just not true like the many untrue messages in almost all of mccain's negative ads. this is why the republicans has ruined the country's economy with these kind of negative mindset.now that the same group that ridicule mccain during past republicans primary is onboard the mccain's campaign, the future might not be different from the eight (8) years of Bush.
emmanuel,roseville, ca

Mr. "Change" positions is at it again. I didn't think he would stay in the box he created for himself!

Give it up Barack. You just have no judgment!

Senator John McCain 08, the only wise choice and Senator Hillary Clinton 2012, the best ever!

Obama said this "wasn't really a new position."

Actions speak louder than words Obama
Again he has 2 sides to an issue and all these people are mesmorized by his words...

Compromising to get things done in Washington is not flip-flopping, even Republicans can agree to this. I applaud his position and wish people would see this man is pushing issues that effect Americans at the top of the list and willing to negotiate terms of agreement. This is what we need in a president not cynisism.

The off-shore drilling was not the only issues. What about holiday tax break? He voted for it before, then against it during the primary. It is very clear that when something he opposed becomes popular, he always changes his mind to get you like him. That's the change you can believe in?

A good leader is willing to change his position if that leads to the desired result. If off-shore drilling is an integral part of a comprehensive energy policy then he should consider it, but ONLY if there are other compelling reasons rather then just driling.

If this means the oil companies would be willing to re-invest the money they make with this in renewable energy I can understand it.

If not then there is no reason to change the position for Obama.

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all through the democratic primary obama talk about alternative sources of energy other than drilling. the fact the obama is looking at a compromise for the benefit of the american people, to ease their pain in their everyday life is a win for america. the combination of the two candidates ideas to solve the energy problem is the best way forward. it is unfair to say obama is following mccain's lead. thats just not true like the many untrue messages in almost all of mccain's negative ads. this is why the republicans has ruined the country's economy with these kind of negative mindset.now that the same group that ridicule mccain during past republicans primary is onboard the mccain's campaign, the future might not be different from the eight (8) years of Bush.

Flip flop #5234

I would like to add a comment about Obama and the Obamabots. The disgusting post below is an example of the "high road" that is being taken by the Messiah and his lackies.
--------------------------------
McTraitor July 31st, 2008 10:38 pm ET

All McWar can do is go negative because he has nothing positive to say about himself and he knows his stances are flawed and failed.
-------------------------------–
And this post is supposed to show how negative McCain is and how upstanding Obama and his cult are. Referring to Sen. John McCain as a traitor is lower than any politician has gone before. While fighting for his country, McCain was shot down in Viet Nam and spent years as a prisoner of war. To refer to him as a traitor is pathetic. Especially when your candidate, Barack Hussein Obama, has done nothing for our country but blow smoke and tries to use race for his own political gain. Is this the kind of hatred we want from the leader of our country? Is this change we can believe in? Wake up people, before it is too late!!

PUMA - Vote for a true patriot - Vote McCain

I still say I will never pay to vacation and stare at oil wells. I will never let my child or people I love swim and leave the water with oil film.

Being the president call for being pragmatic. Everyone loves to say we need more drilling and more nuclear energy.

I'll support it when I see these same people volunteering their backyards and starting petitions to store nuclear waste in their community and oil rigs and refining plants next door.

Like always, you'll see sure we want it but not in my backyard!!!

Any republican/conservative who criticizes Obama for this is a hypocrit.
This is just one of the positions that McCain has flip flopped on. You can't keep any legitamacy as an honest person if you criticize Obama for the same thing you applaud McCain for.

thanks for flip-flopping Obama, it certainly reinforces my conviction that you are the biggest liar of all politicians in DC, one who perfected it with the deceptive cape of beautiful rhetoric.

This is frustrating. Mr.Obama, when could you stop flip-flopping on issues, especially some that are so important to a Democrat?

I feel betrayed ! I wish I could have voted again,

FISA, NAFTA, now offshore drilling.

If a candidate stands firm on an issue then suddenly changes his mind 180 degrees, how can he be TRUSTED? Where is the promised CHANGE? Where is something different than "politics as usual"?

June 20th, 2008, on Obama's own YouTube sight he outlined his FIRM stance against offshore drilling. Now he's with the opinion of "something is better than nothing".

Weak. VERY weak.

Hi. Where is your coverage of Obama's press conference in full? He said a lot more than just the topic of oil drilling. Also, why did CNN chose not to cover the press conference live on TV? I have switched from CNN to MSNBC because it is not so biased towards the Republicans.

You are a friendly flip flopper and I'll vote for you anyway.

Obama......08

Is it any surprise that nothing gets done in Washington, that the press and everyone jumps all over a politician if he doesn't change his view, but merely says he will be willing to compromise to get something done? Governing doesn't mean getting everything you want all the time.

When Nancy Pelosi was asked about this on this morning's today show, she said there had been five senators republicans and five senators democrats, who had met and came up with a bipartisan plan, and Obama wants to work with bipartisanship, he will look at every option, that will provide quick relief for the American People. Also I heard a gentleman say, that no matter the plan of drilling, there will not be results for the next seven years, and possibly not enough oil then.

Obama is not flip-flopping, he is refining policies as time changes.

Americans need to listen to what he is saying with open minds and you will see that he is not flip flopping.

Again, Obama is flip flopping. I think the democrats have made their biggest mistake by selecting Obama as their candidate. Come November, we will definitely see McCain as president whereas the democrats could have had Clinton as their candidate and she would have won over McCain. Anyway, the DNC with Howard Dean and the superdelegates will have accept this loss as their fault and will have to wait another 4 years to elect the right candidate. Hopefully, Clinton will be that candidate and by then Howard Dean will be removed fom his job.

Obama can forget it now!

Party's Over!!!

the man of change has changed his position so many times...
must have taken alot of heat on the inflating your tires commnets...his ego is so inflated he could probably provide wind power for the whole country.

empty suit Obama, following McCain's lead

Obama's supporters should feel pretty dumb now!! They spent millions if dollars on a man from Chicago that they don't even know.

Chickens are coming home to roost.

Obama stole the nomination.

Now the DEMOCRATS WILL BE PUNISHED BY LOSING THE GE.

I am a racist because I refuse to vote for Obama- which half of his ethnicity and color am I afraid of?

Obama CAN'T be a racist because he is haf white... but white people CAN be racists against him- EVEN though he is half white.

That is the stupid logic that installed this puppet nominee over the far better qualified, tested, accomplished, loved and dedicated candidate.

So? McCain flip-flopped from no drilling to drilling first. And as soon as he did, his campaign received over a million in contributions. Go figure.

If Charlie Crist allows it off Florida, that state will be totally in ruination within 10 years – maybe less. If he thinks the recession is bad now, wait until all the mess starts with tourism.

You know...I personally support limited drilling. But you, sir, flip-flopped.

I support your party and liberal ideas but you haven't sold me yet. Nor have you sold my family yet.

Also, lets be honest. You just gave McCain ammunition to attack you with.

I can hear his press conference in my head now.

"My friends, we cannot have a President who flip flops more than pancakes."

Then he'll give that laugh of his. Good god my day is shot.

OK, now what is the difference between Obama and McCain? This is very disheartening – I will be voting Green this year.

There is no flip floping here.. Some people who don't have a clue just follow the crowd with no understanding of the matter. This is great.. it shows that Obama can adjust IF it means BETTER for the American people!
Why are alot of these bloggers so quick to stick negtive labels? is it really because they are hiding under their racism rock.
Can or does ANYONE really in their right mind believe McCain is a possible solution to the problems we face!
This is totally ridicilous! Britney Spears n Paris Hilton ads which by the way ruffled the feathers of the Hilton camp cuz they donated to McSame talk about a SLAP IN THE FACE!!! Good for the Hiltons thats what you get for supporting someone with no substance or solutions to our problem!
McCain really has no experience and worst he has NO judgment!!
The Obvious choice: Obama!

He is cute... black (well half) and has a nice smile.

That is the reason they voted for him.

To connect John McCain and leadership in the same sentence is a joke!!!! He is the furthest thing from leadership the American people have seen. Why not ask Britney Spears or Paris Hilton to lead our country- that would be equal to a term of John McCain!!!!! He is a disgrace to our country and his whole campaing exemplifies that!
Obama 2008

Sure he has done that bifore on irag with a plan off withdraw 9 monds, now 16 monds. state of juruzalem, NAFTA. He has taken over hillary agenda, why she has come up with all the idea for democrats and people who want change. sooo

Obama has not change his position. Obama has heard the cries of the American people about the high gas prices and Obama said that he is open to getting things done. Obama is about the American People solving this drilling offshore to give the American People relief in this mess up Economy, due to Bush Administration. If some of the American people can'nt understand that Vote for Mccain and they will see a repeat of Bush failed Policies that brought about this messed up Economy. Mccain will repeat Bush Policies and that is a fact.

"It's not going to provide short-term relief or medium-term relief or in fact long-term relief. It won't drop prices in this administration or in the next administration or in the administration after that,"
Obama said while campaigning in Iowa.

Ummm.....I might believe that if gas prices hadn't started dropping immediately after it was announced that the ban was going to be lifted. And have continued to drop since then.

The energy problem is complex. So, it's going to need a complex approach for a collective set of solutions working in unison to acheive an actual solution for making a difference in this country. Many simple minded individuals want or hope to find the single "silver bullet" answer to this complex question. Evidently Mr. Obama is not one of these simple minded individuals, as indicated by his expansion of ideas on the issue. However, Mr. Mccain seems to "preach" the single "silver bullet" solution approach that just happens to benefit the Oil Industry most.....what a coincidence.........

Tony

yep

"It's clear that members of both parties are following John McCain's leadership toward an 'all of the above' approach on energy that includes nuclear, alternative energy, and offshore drilling,"

Whoa, whoa, slow down tough guy. Don't forget that even your own boy(McCain) opposed offshore drilling until every Rep out there approved of it. So, slow down tough guy, slow down. And you think why some Conservatives don't like McCain...

Lousy, filthy, dirty, lying, typical, pandering politician with a black flair.

I love the beautiful people- don't you?

It is okay if he is the worst of all duplicitous liar- he doesn't look like any of the other presidents on the dollar bill- so he is entitled to the presidency.

Not convinced? You are nothing but a racist then.

Didn't like Hillary and made fun of her in off-color sexual ways? That is okay... the media said so. Racism= bad. Sexism= fun and funny.

Saying you are willing to give a little to compromise is not the same as a policy shift people. Besides, McCain made a full policy shift from not supporting it to supporting it himself. McCain got tons of money from the oil companies upon doing that, of course.

Offshore drilling only pushes the energy problem onto our children and grandchildren! You can NOT deny it.
Fuel from sugar cane in Brazil IS a success. America IS one of the top 10 sugar cane producers in the world! Removing the Import barriers for Brazilian ethanol, modelling production in the USA after Brazil, and tapping into the fuel energy from sewage and organic wastes would reduce the need for fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
Home and regional garbaration would supply enough methane to leave coal and offshore oil for future generations.

Eons ago, politicians compromised on issues to get things done. In the past 16 or so years, the polarization of parties led to a 'my way or no way' policy that has lead us to the mess we are in now.

When Senator Obama opens a dialog that offers the hand of compromise, both sides find fault with this. The rabid Democrats see it as conceding to the Republicans and shifting away from their long held beliefs that the Republicans are just wrong. The Republicans are viewing this as flip flopping and agreeing they are absolutely right.

Both of these views are wrong. Senator Obama is compromising. Read that again, compromising. It is a new concept. He isn't conceding to the Republican view. In fact what he is saying is lets see who is right, within reason. If you want to drill, concede on alternative energies and other factors and then lets see.

I happen to agree with the Senator that drilling will have no mid term or long term effects on prices. I believe it will have a short term effect because the oil companies will lower prices to make it look like it did. But it will be a sham and short lived.

This guy will say anything to get elected President, end of.

Flipping his CHANGE again?

First the Republicans blamed the Obama campaign then they blamed Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats in Congress. I blame the two oil men who are sitting in the White House and kissing the hand of the extortionists in Saudi Arabia. Shame on people like Sean Hannity for pointing their finger at everyone but themselves. Are you still driving your Escalade Mr. Hannity??? Lets kill the environment so you can drive your gas guzzler. Shame on you Mr. Bush. for being such a fraud.

Glad Obama is willing to compromise in order to get a more comprohensive energy policy. Driling may not be the answer but as long as alternative energy stay's first and foremost it's not a bad compromise.

Obama's explanation:

"I changed my posiion on oil drilling because I had a dinner with the king of flip-flopping, the Great John Kerry, last night. He never ceases to amaze me. His line 'I did not vote for it before I voted for it' still reverberates in my ear. Wow, what a great line! What Great Politician! Michelle is advising me to do more Kerry than Hillary."

Thirty-one percent of those polled said the Democrats in Congress are a major cause of gas prices.
Wow what kind of americans did you poll? because i beileve they dont know what they are talking about.
And Americans dont understand that the high oil prices are really a grunge agiasnt us from OPIEC because of how the Bush Adminstration is handling the war in Iraq.
If americans vote in mcain I hope no one with the last name bush is in any cabinet of mcains......
Go Barack!

WHAT'S THE MATTER? He IS the new Captain Marvel. Take from the rich-give to the poor. ROBIN HOOD OBAMA!

Of course he is going to defend his flip– flop. The polls are showing that the majority of americans are for it. He blows like the wind. What ever direction is good at the time. It is funny John McCain reached this decision and made his stance before all the polls come out. Just shows you Obama's real character. Obama is with this like he was keeping his friends and then disavowing them at the time after they have did the damage for him. Like the last episode of having Hillary reffered to as an Irrevelant BI H. Yeah if I was a woman I sure would vote for him. He knows along with his friends how to keep you women in your place.

"If we've got a plan on the table that
I think meets the goals that America has to set and there are some things in there that I don't like then obviously that's something that you know I would consider because that's the nature of how we
govern in a democracy."

Exactly. People elect a bunch of tough-talking "my way or the highway" type politicians and then wonder why nothing gets done.

Barack,

You're making it increasingly difficult for your supporters to defend you. How many Republican policies are you going to cave to in order to appease the conservative voters that probably won't pull the lever for you anyway? I've supported you from the first day that you threw your hat in the ring and even I am starting to wonder if I've made a mistake.

Bwahahahahaha

Only the obamabots will buy his excuse for flip-flopping.

He changed positions once again. Pure and simple.

The obamabots are to stupid to realize it.

What a joke this moron is.

Well at least he is smart enough to know when he made a mistake.

That is the most important Wisdom.

Look where being stupidly stuborn has gotten us.

Bad Bush stuck in the mud of his own mind.

Change is constant.

Is this guy serious? He is making a joke of himself.

Sen. Obama, American people are not as dumb as you think they are. You may fool Europeans with your pretty speeches and your charisma, but NOT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. And we are proud to be the Americans!

ROBIN HOOD OBAMA!

Obama's explanation:

"I changed my posiion on oil drilling because I had a dinner with the king of flip-flopping, the Great John Kerry, last night. He never ceases to amaze me. His line 'I did not vote for it before I voted for it' still reverberates in my ear. Wow, what a greta line!"

I am more convinced that when you want change. It is delivered. Barrack Obama will make a great president. One that is willing to help our great America become great and lead the world. We can achieve greatness as we were in the Reagan years. He will not permit offshore oil drilling to be a open bank for oil companies. They need to lower energy prices first to meet demand of the great citizens of this God Blessed country. We can achieve this. We need unity this time. Mccain and bush are the same...No more Bush policies. God Bless America. As for Puma, Get off your high horse, Republicans Love Obama more that HRC. If you diss your guy what makes you think the other 18 million obama voters will vote for hillary. Think responsibly. Dont be stupid!

Just like he has defended every other lie, flip-flop, shift on stance on things like Bush policy such as this offshore drilling issue as well as wire-tapping. It is becoming very clear that Obama does not know what he stands for since he cannot pick a stance on a single issue and stand behind his stance. It seems like the only change that Obama knows anything about is how to change his mind on key issues. Since Obama has won and started to support Republican policy he is becoming more and more like a republican every day. He also has changed his tone on the War in Iraq, now phrasing his stance similar to McCain with things like "we cannot leave until the country is secure" just to name one. This stance leaves it open for Obama to decide to stay in Iraq as long as he wants to. Since Obama is slowly becoming the very first Democratic Republican nominee I think it is going to be very easy to vote for McCain in the fall. I am not a Republican, but at least McCain has been in a war, which is more than Obama (the freshman of the Senate) can say. The government has used our tax money for land to drill, if they think drilling will help the economy then they should drill there. Bush does not want to drill there because he knows oil companies have an interest in the areas off shore. China already drills off the coast of FL, this oil is not going to go to us or lower our gas prices at all. As we have seen, the gas prices go up and down even if we are not drilling and that is always going to be the case, I used to work at a gas station in college, this is just how it works. Obama has stake in a company called Exelon, and so if we were to drill he stands to gain. That is the only reason for this sudden shift and I think smart people are going to see right through his defense on this shift.

Well it ok for clearity now everybody need to understand what barack obama is saying.and it really make on on point on this issue.the solution to lower gas price is the point obama is pointing at.and the suggestion that offshore drilling will lower gas price is not through it will take at least 10yrs to make it happen.

Obama's position is which ever will do him the most good politically. Flip Flop

Good work DNC… and all you smart, college educated Obama supporters.

Why would you EVEN think that the leftist could carry the entire party MORE easily than the most qualified candidate who was also the centrist and the unifier? AND the most trusted and loved for all her decades of dedication to her country and its people.

Why would you hype that myth and then believe you could white guilt and party loyalty force us all to fall in line?

Install a candidate to appease blacks and newbies and now LOSE THE ELECTION ONCE AGAIN.

Here's a tip: ALL democrats would have chosen HRC- the centrist liberal moderate champion of the people- over ANY republican. Even the newbies and AAs and the left wing nut jobs. Why would they leap frog over her to the other side? THAT is the reason Obama needed his propaganda and myth of his ability to unify, and why he needed the race card, and why he recklessly split the party just to eliminate HRC. That is why the Media played up the myth of the black out of the vote and the newbies staying home. Yeah, right… that would give them the change they advocated. The DNC capitulated and hoped the insulted and the trashed would somehow kiss and make up with their abusers.

But those people- the democratic loyal base- the centrist, liberal, moderate and more conservative, older democrats and the women scorned… well they will step to the right more easily than take a leap to the left. Hatred will do that to the party and its nominee.

I'm no strategist and I KNEW that much. The left will vote center over right, but the center just might move to the right if ticked off and pushed by the unfairness and bias of a rigged primary.

I am sure all 40 posters who support McCain will jump all over this story.

*eyeroll*

Well it ok for clearity now everybody need to understand what barack obama is saying.and it really make on on point on this issue.the solution to lower gas price is the point obama is pointing at.and the suggestion that offshore drilling will lower gas price is not through it will take at least 10yrs to make it on on reality.

He called it a scheme two days ago – and now it isn't. What happened? Did God talk to him again and tell him to revise his stance?

After hearing Obama change his postions to agree with McCain, I am wondering about his intelligence and judgement:

Did he go to Columbia and Harvard through affirmative action (AA)?

Is he expecting to get elected through AA again?

Obama suggesting he would listen to proposals for offshore oil drilling or consider offshore drilling that meets a laundry list of conditions is a flip-flop. Obama doesn't talk out both sides of his mouth: that's McCain's forte e.g. "I will not run a negative campaign" or his "I support our troops" and consistently votes No on bills for the military servicemen and servicewomen.

Flip-Flops like a Jelly-Fish in the Byss...

Why are we taking every remark on issues, from these candidates; to be their final position? They don't really mean anything, they are "just words" , what we need is "real action" to solve these problems. So, why are we "over reacting", to innuendo and mire words? Let's wait til someone really does something, one way or the other. Right now, it's recess time, for everybody!

I'm a supporter but if he continues to flip flop, I'm not going to vote at all. He has not backbone and is saying anything to get elected. Obama is starting to appear more as a fraud.

I am proud of obama he is right congress is deadlocked on this and the parties need to come to some kind of agreement to address our energry crisis obama is willing to compromise and reach across the asile only shows HE WILL BE A GREAT PRESIDENT!!!! and for all that are gonna claim he flipped flopped do keep in mind john mccain flippped as well at one time he was against drilling but now is all for it!!!!! so dont go there with the flip flop thing!!!!

If this compromise does happen, it is a small concession to achieve the long term goal of energy independence. I see nothing wrong in working to free us of our "addition to oil."

He explains away his flip flop and the press accepts it and does not say to Obama your explanation IS a FLIP FLOP

Rev. Wright was right, Obama will say and do anything to get elected!

CNN post this comment, you never post mine, and start reporting right.

THIS IS NOT A POLICY CHANGE.

Obama still wants the alternate energy terms, but if the only way it can get done now is by appeasing republicans, then so be it. He said it himself, that offshore drilling still won't improve the situation.

the press and McBush do everything they can to twist Obama's words and make it sound like he's flipflopping when he isn't at all.... GET A BRAIN

Nuanced positions are difficult to explain and defend in the sound-bite world of American politics. Kudos to Obama to at least try to have a reasoned debate about this...hopefully, the media will play its role in presenting these issues in an honest, rational way.

More flip-flop from Obama. All of the political promises he made during the primary, to counter Hillary, have been cast aside now. No off-shore drilling was a promise he made in the last few days. So what are Obama's real political views? We don't need another liar in the white house. Obama is of the same ilk as Bush, just a different party.

PUMA - vote for the person, not the party - Vote McCain

Flip Flop. Flip Flop. Flip Flop.

Doing what it takes to get elected.

Flip Flop. Flip Flop. Flip Flop.

Saying anything to get elected.

Flip Flop. Flip Flop. Flip Flop.

a real human, man or woman, is willing to admit to making mistakes; is willing to constantly reanalyze situations; is willing to listen to opposing arguments; is willing to place moral principles ahead of faction loyalty. if any politician is willing to change his/her mind, is willing to challenge him/her self and those around to perform better, then the only thing you can ask for.... that would prove better.... is perfection. i know that part of obama's image of holier-than-thou is partially self-inflicted, but is it realistic to hold him to a standard of perfection even if he tries to be perfect.
not to make an excuse for him or to attempt to play the race card, but within the black community, we are taught to be that the only way to conquer bigotry and racism is through perfection. although perfection is unrealistic, the point is to encourage someone to try his/her best.

Both Senators Obama and McCain listen to the public opinion.
I don't think they flip-flop.

McCain agreed to secure the border before comprehensive immigration reform.
Now Obama realized off-shore drilling is needed.

The talk about opening up our national strategic oil reserve to lower gas prices cannot hold water. They don't understand what "strategic" means.

However, more details about offshore drilling have to be planned and made public before November, or it could turn into a disaster, too.

That is not the off shore drilling I once knew.......I am BO and approve this message, wait maybe not, yes I do, no I do not, quick where is my teleprompter, I need the polls what are they.

HAHAHAHA Hellow John Kerry

I don't like the thought of off shore drilling, its pointless. However, sometimes you have to compromise or you don't get anything done. If he can get everything else he wants by agreeing to this, I get it.

Right-wing politics will call this a 'flip-flop', but it is refreshing to see a candidate allow for a revised approach based on honest reasoning and negotiation. Obama does it here; McCain also showed some openness when he allowed that troops might come home in 18 months if Iraq requests it. Nice to see partisanship doesn't overcome all logic on both candidates parts.

Overall I believe Obama is the better listener and more open to nuanced positions, however.

Wow, the flip-flopper flip flaps again!

As much as i disagree with offshore drilling, and am slightly disappointed Obama has slightly moved to the center on this, i do give him credit for recognizing that we need to work across the isle to make anything happen in Congress. I'd rather have Obama than McSame...

Obama '08!

His Forte is shift changes... follow what is polling well.

I didn't know (for 20 yrs) didn't know Rev Wright was a lack liberation theology advocate...

I can not DISOWN him- he is like an old uncle to me....

I can not condone Rev Wright if he cost me votes... so I NOW can and will denounce, disavow and disown him...

Same for my Church...

Same on FISA...

This was a winner for McCain but I guess now that Obama is wavering, McCain can use this to attack him as a flip-flopper

a compromise on mr obama's stand on this issue is laudable but i believe it's a political albetros for him given the politics of America today. i believe any stand one takes on this matter should be amenable to reason and subject to a compromise between environmental safety and economic expediency

I cannot believe David Gergen. A month ago he stated that if Barack
Obama put Hillary Clinton on the ticket he would need a food taste
tester. And now he wants her on the ticket. This is unbelievable.
For a moment, I had great respect for him. All I can say is Barack
hang in there. You are fighting two wars McCain and his childish
crew and the power hungry Clintons.

I get it. His answer is: "Yes, but, no".

Why criticize someone that wants to try and make us energy indepent. It seems the criticizm is unnessasary

Obama is not flip-flopping. He is listening to the people. If the polls suggests that 70% of the people are for offshore drilling, he Must look into it. After all, this is a democracy (remember, government by the people?) He would be a fool not to look into it. It does not mean he will just jump on the bandwagon. He will dig deeper and report to the people. If Bush had done this on many issues we wouldn't be the sorry state we're in now as a country.

BO gets up every morning and sticks his finger in his mouth then holds his hand up and says which way is the wind blowing today.

WOW....WWWOOOOOWWWW. Are you serious? Who is going to vote for this fool? He flip flops more than aunt jemima making a batch of pancakes! Does anyone really want this man as the next President of the United States? John McCain has been supporting this issue all along. We rely on the most unstable part of the earth for our source of oil. Those nations hate the Jews and Christians and we want to rely on them as representing a mostly Christian nation? A nation founded on Christian principles? I would like to propose one thing. I would like to ask Barack Hussein Obama if he would please drop out of the race. For the sake of the American people and the nation we have created!

Democrats finely get it, but aint it a shame none of them had the go-nads to hang around and do something about it I guess when they all voted to give the moron president his mile of rope they also determined that everyone in the country had to sacrifice except them. The crazy thing is they'll all come back and look at all the pissed off voters who had to cancel or redo thier summer vacations do to energy prices and go "WHAT?'. Whether your republican or Democrat I sure hope while your own child is hot and you can't afford to go any where for relief. You at least acknowledge how proud you are of your elected officials.

Well... his position is now McCains position: both parties must work together and ALL possibilities and angles must be explored.

No NEW technology will be available for years, either.. so oil it is until then and during the transition... so let's not have it be foreign oil.

Unless we get a guarantee from oil companies that all this extra off shore oil goes to U.S. consumers, its pointless. All the oil will go on the open market. With countries like India and China growing by millions every year, there is still a limited supply. If the oil goes on the open market, it will only slightly adjust prices in the short term. We need a real energy policy that will develop other sources of energy. Otherwise, we will be in the same boat in the next 5-10 years with $150 a barrel oil. We must rise to the challenge or repeat this nightmare.

Here we go again..FLIP FLOPPING...Can you imagine if he becomes President......OMG...Help us all.

FLP FLOP, FLIP FLOP, FLIP FLOP!!!

The fact that Obama is willing to look at a situation and say earlier I did not see any benefit in it but after taking a closer look I changed position lets me know that he not only is super intelligent his has wisdom, and integrity.

Spin = refining= clarifying= don't parse my words.

Obama can change daily with the polls... McCain is accused of flip flops if he changes his position from that of decades ago....

i don't really see a problem with his 'supposed' position shift. if george bush would have been willing to say that he was wrong about WMD's, especially after light of no evidence, then i think that is a reasonable thing to do. it is better to be willing to sacrifice, compromise, and work together with people to get things done. this is a true representation of 'change.' obama is willing to work with everyone to make america better; he doesn't wish to waste time pandering and bickering about differences of opinion. although i am a bit skeptical of him myself, i am willing to take a chance on him because someone needs to make progress, not provide continuity – which is what i believe mccain offers.

Thats right Obama! Positons can be modified IF its the right thing to do in the best interest of the American people! He always put the American people and the Issues FIRST!
He will be our BEST president ever!
Obama08

1) I'm glad that Senator Obama is paying attention to what the American people are saying....
2) Now, can he, as the leader of his party, get the Democrats in Congress to address the issue?? If so, it would give some indication that he can lead..... or persuade.....

It was once stated that; Politics is the art of compromise, having stated that it appears Senator Obama is true to his words that he is willing to unite all Americans.....and for that many see more hope than they have in past 8 years.

So no mention today about the response by the DNC regarding McCains week. CNN you are so far in Mccains corner why don't you just endorse him?

Not an Obama fan but all you people who are trying to make us afraid of him must be crazy! Obama despite his perceived arrogance and inexperience can do no worse than our current President and the Republican congress. Anyone who believes that the past 7 years have been great for this country just is not facing reality. For those that want to blame Democrats for all that is wrong with this country think again. It has been Republicans that have been playing games with the American people and they continue to do so.

He has done it again.....change we can believe in....not !!....he believes he has the right to fool the americans by " refining " his position on any issue... and the media has helped his circus show...his own supporters will hate him in a couple of years....he might go on to be the first black president of USA but I know if that happens he will also be the most foolish, most hated, most unqualified president EVER !!!....skin colour is not a qualification Mr. Bama...oh, and his wife needs a few lessons on how to speak in public.

Nobama !!!!!

Silly little man Obama - thinks he can say "and this has always been my position" everytime he flip-flops (sorry, I men "refines") - and thinks we'll buy that . . .

Now McCain can't point fingers at Obama for that.

Obama/Hillary 08.

Compromise is the center of democracy.

There is no reason to bash him for being honest about it, anyone who has paid attention in the last eight years knows what happens when the President refuses to compromise.

It is refreshing to see that someone running for President sees the reality of the situation. Seems more down to Earth than 'Messiah' to me.

Barack HUSSEIN Obama is drowning and he is trying to swim. So he'll FLIP-FLOP

Please Post!

Obama is the worst flip flopper, he's 2x worst than Kerry, The DNC probably wondering what did we do, we should have gone with HRC, because its the DNC who chose Obama, the People Chose HRC

What about John McCain CNN? What about when McDumb changed his position on off-shore drilling w/in like a two months?

Why didn't McCain's change in position get any media attention except on on the Daily Show?

What the heck? You know CNN is supposed to be the liberal media, I just don't see it. I have not seen fair reporting when it comes to Obama. All I see is negative Obama reporting. CNN may as well be the next Fox news.

Also, I work in gov't, what Obama said is correct, sometimes you have to compromise so you don't kill the good by fighting for the best. This is a very true statement about govt'. It's always about everyone coming to an agreement, and most of the time, no one is happy–that's when you know you got it right.

This is ridiculous. Why is McCain not receiving any flack for his change?

Obama has not really changed his position. He's talking about getting stuff done, something Bush hasn't been able to do.

I am so tired of this.

Senator Obama has put the best interest of America first in making decisions. If it takes compromise to get the things America needs, then it is an option to consider. I support Senator Obama fully!
Obama 08

A democracy and bipartisan politics is built on reaching a concensus and compromises that meets the needs of the voters and the people on a country.

Gridlock and dictatorship is based on entrenched, inflexible positions. Surely this has been displyed over and over again in the past 7.5 years.

If voters and the media actually READ what Obama is saying and don't resort to the oneliners and label compromise as a "flip flop" one will see that Obama's plan is a sensible approach.

One wonders where McCain is on this. His reaction will show whether he is truly working towards "reaching across the partisan divide" or if he is obnly going to use this as another smaer effort to get elected.

I have to say as a supporter of Obama I'm disappointed that he's willing to give in to the Republicans over this policy. I still won't vote for McCain anymore than I would vote for Clinton but I will be taking a look at other 3rd party candidates and their policies to see if there is anyone better out there.
In my book this makes him look weak and I think his strategizers made a big mistake on this one.
People need to quit whining, quit being so selfish, suck it up and start conserving. There is no endless supply to gas. It's going to run out sooner or later and we need to come up with alternative ideas before that happens. By giving in on this topic it just delays the process because Americans seem to only be concerned with the here and now and not the future.

This guy can NEVER say he's wrong!! It's sickening!

Flip-flop, flip-flop, Barack doesn't know a lot...

I agree with Sen. Obama. The thing is, that even if we started drilling today and ALL our coasts, we would not see the oil at our neighborhood pumps for at least 5-10 years. And even then, that would not affect the price of oil!

THERE IS PROOF HOWEVER, THAT WHEN WE WERE PAYING $4 PLUS FOR GAS, WE STARTED TO DRIVE LESS, SLOWER AND CHOOSE TO TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION........HOW ABOUT THAT? THE PRICE OF OIL DID........DROP..........JUST BECAUSE WE, CONSERVED!

HOW ABOUT CONSERVATION??????????????????????? SOONER OR LATER WE WILL BE FORCED TO CONSERVE, BECAUSE OIL IS ........ RUNNING OUT.

The Republicans are now claiming that they’ve always been for alternative energy, when the facts show that they’ve used subsidies, tax breaks, and favorable legislation to enhance the profits of the oil, coal, and nuclear industries – big GOP donors – at the expense of wind and solar.

I don't fault Obama for changing his mind... Let's face it folks. We all change our minds... Don't we all wish Bush had changed his mind about entering Iraq instead of going to Afghnistan for the real enemy in Bin Laden? Sometimes strength is shown in acknowledging that a change in stance is necesarry. Bush was stubborn about going to fight the wrong war, did that make him a good or strong leader?

Obama's move is consistent with what I expect of, and what I think we need from, our next president. We have had at least 8 years of political gridlock in this country. Contrary to what his opponents will say, Obama is NOT an ideologue. He is pragmatic, willing to work across the aisle, willing to form compromise, in order to get a consensus built and get us moving constructively toward solutions.

I don't see him giving away his principles on this at all. I see him as being willing to work for constructive solutions, even IN SPITE of the potential political consequences it could have in the campaign.

He is showing again the intellect, the judgment, and the qualities that will make him an excellent president come January.

Two things:

First, if Congress really cared about the gas situaion, they would not have broke for 5 weeks without addressing it. What the R's did yesterday was bring light to the fact that Congress in general was willing to do nothing and let us go broke paying for transportation.

Second, Senator Obama, there is no harm in saying, "I have done additional research, and have come to the conclusion that drilling may be a component to overcoming this crisis."

I should be a campaign back office guy.

We want a Pres who investigates and if need be changes his positions. Nobody get's it right on the first try EVERYTIME.

Just a week ago Obama was claiming that domestic drilling would do nothing to help oil prices or availability. He scoffed, he mocked, and now he is "refining his position" now that a lot of democrats are starting to think that domestic drilling might be a good long term strategy (rather than doing nothing as we have for the past 30 years leading up to this mess).

Flip-flop, flip-flop...

Defend away oh great one but the fact is, you do not have the experience to Govern our Nation...

Thats a fact.

Sen. Obama There are so many reasons for not to support you but I have to tell you one reason that is
Your are so greedy now

Jimmy Carter!

Obama defends offshore policy change? Is this change you can believe in? (Or is he simply inexperienced and unsure where he stands on issues?)

WONDERFUL! This guy must be wearing roller skates these days to get around.

Gee, looks like America wants to drill, even though my purist friends say "no." But I want to get ELECTED!!!

So, I better hurry up and take the same position as McCain.

Now we will hear all about how this is what he really meant all along. That he would sacrifice anything for cooperation between the sharply divided parties.

In my part of America, we call that giving in, changing your tune, reversing yourself – OR – oh, no! – FLIP FLOPPING!

There has never been a clearer case of a guy with NO MORAL CENTER WHATEVER who just wants to get elected, playing to the crowd yet again!

Personal Character? Obama? You can't be serious!

Anyone who can't understand what Senator Obama is saying here sees everything in black and white. America doesn't need anymore rigid, narrow-minded, dogmatic cowboys in the White House. We have far more complex problems now than those John Wayne tried to solve.

Flip-flop.

I notice the last time that CNN keeps posting positive news about McCain. Is there some reason for that?

For me the truly historic moment will be when Obama loses in Nov- after ALL HIS playing on guilt and using race as a shield from criticism and as as a sword to eviscerate his opponents.

When he loses even though he is the democratic nominee- in a year that NO democrat should lose-

When he loses… then we will know that democracy matters to democrats. That we will not allow Oprah and Caroline, Dean and Pelosi, The black congressional caucus and RAP stars, The media and Europeans to select our PRESIDENT FOR US.

Then the NEW democrats will learn that you can not trash and insult and debase fellow democrats in crude, vulgar, filthy ways… and then still have them vote for your man- JUST BECAUSE DEMOCRATS WILL VOTE DEMOCRATIC EVEN AFTER BEING ABUSED BY THEIR PARTY.

NOT going to happen. Women have learned that they do NOT have to and SHOULD NOT EVER return to the abuser.