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-

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