CNN

For all you Bush bashers, do some research. Obama voted in favor of Bush's energy plan in 2005.

Anyone mention The Dems dont have a veto proof majority.

This is the most productive thing GOP senators have done in 8 years....Of course, let's not forget that the price at the pump in Calgary is over $5 per gallon and Alberta is the largest oil exporter in North America, and that by the time the oil, that isn't spilled in the ocean, is harvested, oil will be on it's way to obsolesence. But anything to get more profit for EXXON; the important thing is that the GOP needs someone to pay for these attack ads., and that their contributions have tripled since McCain reversed a life-long policy of opposing off shore drilling........Has anyone given an explanation as to why the oil companies are going to reduce the price at the pump when this oil becomes available.?...The sad thing is the "ditto-heads"are buying this arguement......intelligence is not a pre-requisite in the GOP....

All this time and this is the week they want to do something. Seems a little empty to me.

Well, if there were any question of the party that works for the people. It's the ones who are still in Washington.

Pelosi and Reid do not care about the pains we are feeling or they would be there working to make things better. They wonder why the polls are so low?????

People, Democrats have OWNED the house and senate for the past two years. Why do you keep blaming Republicans? Don't forget, for the first 4 years Republicans were busy dealing with 9-11 and terrorism and national security issues. Now they can focus on energy and other issues.

Even your prized possession Obama wants to open up offshore drilling. Man you Democrats can't make up your minds!!!

Hmmm holding Protest. THE NEED TO BE WORRYING ABOUT HOLDING ON TO THEIR POSITIONS!!!! THE ELECTIONS ARE COMING THE ELECTIONS ARE COMING. AND THIS WILL BE THE WORST WEDDING DAY FOR THEM ALL!!!

Gee folks, we know how all of you really want to handle some pressing business but, it looks like we are all going to be SOL because the guys from across the aisle had to get home for a brain re-tooling (plus, they're out of drugs and booze).

How stupid people keep saying where were they the last eight years.. learn to count. The last year and a half the Dems. have been in power and have done nothing except let gas prices go up and up. It was not that long ago the Dems told the middle east that they were the cause of the high oil prices because we needed more. Now the President wants to lift the band to drill for more they say thats not the problem. They may be right it might just be them that is the real problem. And as far as the first 6 years the Dems block everything they could.

Alright!!!!! A women in control (nancy pelosi) and all the repub men are whining!!!! It's so funny!

Those neo-cons are drinking the Cool Aide again. However, they're not fooling the true conservatives, liberals or independents of America! Come this November, when the Senate has the 60 votes to over ride these neo-cons in the Senate so they can't do anymore of their grand standing or filerbustering, you'll see things get done. Keep playing politics you selfish thugs, you're days are numbered too.

This is comical. Its like little kids protesting their parents. I say

... NO VOTE. NO MORE DRILLING.

Why do the anti-Obama crowd spew out unsubstantiated stuff as facts?

The articles I have read all say that oil on the Outer Shelf would not hit your car for 7 to 10 YEARS. Would that be useful? Maybe. But it seems more like a land grab by the oil companies...maybe not for now but for their last dying gasp in the future when the whole planet runs out.

Bush lifting the moratorium on offshore drilling did not bring down the pump price of gasoline. Americans driving 9% fewer miles in June than one year before is what did it. Remember that supply and demand thing you guys keep pushing? Do you believe that Bush has any more influence on the world community? No one takes him seriously. And, by the way, the moratorium was not put in place by Clinton, it was signed by Bush Sr.

At least use facts.

...nice...I'll get out my violin...

Protest for what? NEW LEADERSHIP IN OUR GOVERNMENT!

I am laughing at all of you . August 4th, 2008 3:01 pm ET
apparently one thing none of you understand is that the percentage increase in gas prices significantly increased when the dems got hold of congress and blocked all initiatives.
until democrats decide to start looking at the facts and understanding world economies this country is doomed…
__________________________________________________
So the utter lack of any reasonable energy policy for the first 7 years of the Bush Presidency has nothing to do with the price of oil, its all because of the Dems being in the majority for the past 18 months. What a crock!

Where did you get you advanced degree in economics. I suspect nowhere! I am right, aren't I ..... and laughing ....... at YOU!

They are only standing in their hall. They should be holding placarts in the streets: may be they will get more attention. RIght now, I am dont care. I will like to see them picketing the president who spent billions a month in Iraq, with the understanding that we would secure the oil fields. And now what do we get? Not even a drop.

How many more do we need to kill in iraq to get more oil rather than engage in clean energy?

Republicans just want more oil to sell on the international market, then rub our nose with the highest windfall profits in the world.

No thanks Mr. Mcain.

Would the media show up if the Democrats did this? Not for more than one day.

Let the Republicans stay, they haven't done crap that works for us anyways.

It takes a while to get oil out of the ground. First we need to know where the oil deposits are. We then need to build the offshore platforms so that the crude oil can be processed before it is moved onshore. So there will not be immediate oil production after the ban on offshore drilling is lifted.

According to a 2007 report by the Energy Information Administration in the U.S. Department of Energy, opening up oil exploration off the United States coastline would not have a "significant impact" until 2030 because of the delay in starting a project. Leasing would begin no sooner than 2012, and production would not be expected to start before 2017. Thus, people can forget about offshore drilling bringing down the price of oil anytime soon.

the republicans are trying to make the most of this drilling issue.

The Repooplicans don't want gas prices lowered if they think they can blame to democrats for the high prices.

This is why Bush refuses to release Oil from the Reserve(like he's done in the past)

Check your tire pressure, drive slower and conserve every way you can.

Tell the republicans and their Big Oil friends to keep their filthy oil!!

I am disgruntled at the Democrats in congress, Nancy Pelosi wants to save the world, give me a break! The make-up she piles on her face is a derivative of the oil she opposes. I will do my part by voting every Democrat that I can out of office from now on. I have been a Democrat for twenty years, as Ronald Reagan said, "I did not leave the Democratic party, they left me." That's exactly why he changed to a Republican, and those sentiments are mine today! Have a good vacation Ms. Pelosi and Reid, and all of the other Democratic puppets…

Barack the Tele-promp-ter Messiah. August 4th, 2008 5:08 pm ET
I can't help but think that much of the economic woes of the past 18 months (gas has doubled in price in 18 months) aren't in direct response to their Dem-led policies and laws, or indirectly as businesses and investors simply saw the socialists marching in and decided it was time to stash their investments elsewhere.
_________________________________________________
Thanks for the logic only a contortionist could really appreciate. But you're right, we are not out to try to make our country and the world a little better, we're really just out to get you and take all your freedoms away, you paranoid buffoon.

Fisa
Hand guns
Public financing
Death penalty
Troops withdraw
Off shore drilling
Tapping emergency oil reserves
One Jerusalum
Clean coal

To equate Mccain's change in positions to Obama's speedy and wild flip flopping march is an insult. Obama's king alright.......the king of the latest opinion polls. Obama woudn't recognize the concepts of principle and conviction even if it stares him in the face.

And even though you have your DO NOTHING congress with an approval rating of 9% you will all some how aquire amnesia in Nov and Vote in a DO NOTHING DEM in the white house too. Or should I say Black house as Ludacris calls it.

Matt August 4th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Meanwhile, the do nothing Congress with THE WORST APPROVAL RATING IN HISTORY is on vacation.

America needs a Republican Majority in Congress MATT, WERE YOU ASLEEP FROM JAN. 2001 TO NOV. 2006, OR ARE YOU JUST ONE OF THE IGNORANT THE REPUBLICANS LOVE TO MANIPULATE?

Had they expended that kind of energy, dedication and concern when congress was in session, something might have actually gotten accomplished!

We hope the Rep keep it up. There are a lot of us out here listening ! A vote is the way to get started. If you are not part of the answer, than you are part of the problem !!! This congress has drug it`s feet for far too long, simply out of spite. for Pres. Bush. It looks like they`re going to have to deal with Pres. McCain as the polls are showing there are a LOT of US listening !!

This falls in line with what the Dems want. They want everything to be bad for the people so they can put their guy in the White House. This is going to back fire in their faces. Do you really think a Rep. member will vote for a Dem bill after this?

Vote the Dem out and put the Rep back in, we were better off 2 years ago before the Dem took over.

McCain'08

Good for them. Job well done fellows!

THE OIL CO.S TRYING TO GET THAT LAST DROP

OF AMERICAN BLOOD, WITH THEIR SLEAZY DEALS.

If this isn't poliltical posturing at its most transparent and transcendently ridiculous, I can't imagine what is. My God, it's positively cartoonish. And yet here they are, people on this board still goose stepping to the Republican silliness. Wow. I'll say it backwards — wow.

What are the Republicans doing at night? Humm, I wonder....

I must ask again, though I doubt I'll get an answer:

If drilling domestically is so important for our oil supply and lower our gas costs:

1) Why are the oil companies not drilling on the over 86 million acres that they ALREADY have drilling leases for (they know there's oil there, and wells have been capped).

2) Why do the US oil companies export over 80% of the domestically-produced oil overseas? I mean...if they're American companies, why wouldn't they keep the oil in the good ol' US of A?

Anyone? Anyone? Why do they need to drill offshore when they aren't using the lands they already have leases for? Anyone?

The Republicans did nothing about any of these dire problems for 6 years with a partisan president who would not veto anything brought to him by his lackeys, and now it's the democrats fault???? Wake up people, don't be taken in by cheap stunts!

Grandstanding in darkness? How dramatic, how ineffective. And you guys accuse Obama of being all fluff? Maybe for a $25 donation, McCain can give you guys a flashlight...

How many years before this past one were the republicans in the majority??? I think it was quite a few and during all that time they did diddlysquat. And if you think this is all about the hard-working American people you are sadly mistaken. McLiar has already taken a buddle from the big oil companies to help get him elected. That way they can get another big tax break.

I wish some of you people would get a clue and realize that off-shore drilling is NOT going to do anything for you. The oil companies already have off-shore sites where they are NOT drilling now. And guess what the oil needs to go to a refinery before it gets to you and they are supposedly running at full-steam. DUH!!! Stop listening to Hannity & CO. and do some research of your own.

I read this here but it needs repeated:

GOP = Grand OIL Party

Go home congressman Exxon has enough of our money!

p.s. if the repubs were this dedicated to the troops may be we would have not lost 4,100 of our men and women

@ A Nightingal Sings in Berkley Square to/....
RealityKing,
Did you know that the repugs in the House have used the filibuster more times in this session of Congress that any congress in history? The "do nothing congress" could get something done if we got rid of the repugs.
And when you say "suffering", do you mean like "I can't afford to drive to my vacation spot" kind of suffering or the kind of suffering Bush inflicted on New Orleans after Katrina?
_____________________________________________________
thank you!!!!!!!
Gammi M...there is a difference between an indevidual donating and a company ... much like the difference between less theen 10 ex-lobbyist on your campaign and 59 lobbyist runnging it. but you do have an intelligent argument. thanks

McCain was against Off Shore Drilling, once he flipped he got MILLIONS from Big Oil? you do the math

Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reed should listen to flip flopper Barrack Obama as of the time I am writing this. Call the president and get back to Washington and back to work on a solution to energy crunch, do not look at a short term band-aid but a real solution.Let the residents of the coastal states vote whether their states should allow drilling off their coastal waters.

My God! Why do Republicans always do that? They litterally act like children stomping their feet and pouting to show the public that they are right. I'm SO tired of this. The worse part is, the public eats it up and thinks the Dems. aren't cooperating.

Can some news station show this for what it truly is? Don't let politicians (All of them) distort things, throw scraps to you (CNN) and grovel at their plate. Get a back bone! Too many opinion anchors. Lets shine a mirror here!

If we open up the petroleum reserves now what do we do incase of a war in the Persian Golf?

What do we do incase of a greater national emergency?
Democrats that call for petroleum reserves to be opened up and used are crazy.

Too little, too late.
With all the fal-de-ra this week concerning energy policies, it occurs to me that nothing, absolutely nothing was accomplished during the last 4 years of this Republican administration, even in the face of growing concerns for our nation's oil dependence and global warming.
Unfortunately, neither of the candidates now have my total 100% support on their individual energy plans.
Unsafe nuclear energy will never be the answer.
Drilling on our coastlines will be a horrible mistake.
Drilling in our national treasured lands will be worse.
When will our government understand that we need to be making a conscious and fast move to solar and wind? Along with responsible zero population growth?

Drilling for oil is like investing in video tape players.
It's yesterdays technology.
We need to move into the future with renewable energy like wind and solar.
It's time to say no tothe Big Oil controlled GOP!!!

gop real fraud

you can bet McCain wont be there.....

It's cool... just buy a tire gauge and all your problems are solved.

All Hail the Dalai Bama

I can't wait until someone builds me a car that runs on sunbeams, rainbows and unicorns!

Until then, I'll have to stick with the most effective, most efficient and cheapest power source available... oil. As a matter of fact, I might just do a burn out and pop a wheelie, just to p!ss off the socialists.

As bad as Congressional Republicans are, Congressional Dems are even worse, and I can't help but think that much of the economic woes of the past 18 months (gas has doubled in price in 18 months) aren't in direct response to their Dem-led policies and laws, or indirectly as businesses and investors simply saw the socialists marching in and decided it was time to stash their investments elsewhere.

For all the Bush Bashing, Believe anything a Democrat says pinheads out there, you need to remember the old adage about keeping your mouth shut and let people think you are dumb rather than open it and prove it.
With a few minutes research you might find that :
1) "Big Oil" is donating to the Obama campaign through their employees. Maybe he'll buy us all a tire gauge.
2) If drilling for oil would begin tomorrow, the oil could be out of the ground, refined, & ready for your gas tank in less than one year.
3) President Bush lifted the ban on off shore drilling on July 14, 2008.
The price of fuel in my area has dropped from $4.06 to $3.71 since.
4) # 3 proves that we don't actually have to drill for oil, just let the Middle East (now receiving 700 Billion dollars a year from America for oil) know that we intend to answer their supply & demand excuses with our ability to supply our own demand.
5) The Dems only solution for immediate relief is to tax the top five oil companies in the amount of 18.5 billion dollars, to be paid to the government. The government already gets 18 % of eachdollar you pay for fuel now. Since they apparently have not handled that very well, do you really want to give them 18.5 billion more to squander?
6) Finally, business management 101 should have taught you that not in the history of mankind has any supplier (company) of commodities paid government imposed taxes. The consumer always pays the cost to produce the commodity, package, deliver, and ah......, what else..... , oh yeah !.... pay the government imposed tax. Can you afford to pay 18 % plus the additional 18.5 billion Nancy Pelosi wants to impose? I know I can't.
We all need to stop pointing fingers, because we are all guilty of allowing this situation to run off into the ditch. Nancy Pelosi wants to "save the planet and God's land". Land is only dirt & rocks. We are human beings with hearts and blood flowing through our veins. We have been able to restore damaged lands since the beginning of time into beautiful parks, lakes, and housing communities. We have to demand that Congress return from their vacation and address this fuel crisis now or thier 9 % approval rating may go to 0 %. And yes, we were warned 8 years ago by President Bush shortly after he took office, just before and right after the terrorists attacks. It was the Democratic Clinton administration that placed the ban on exploration & drilling for oil in 1998. So SHAME on ALL of us for allowing this to happen. Stop pointing fingers and extend hands to help. Our country is better than this !!!

All the republicans want is a drill bill because anything else would help us all not just BIG OIL. Please people (independents,PUMA'S, thoughtful republicans) do the right thing this time and vote only for a democrat

Too late, republicans. With the blasphemy spewed from the republican side of the presidential campaign, even if you give me free gas for a year at current prices I'll never vote republican again.

Vote out all the incumbents this year. Get a new batch. If they are crooked, vote them out –

We need to take the country back for the citizens, not the wealthy politicians !!!!

They failed!

BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA A CANDIDATE OF CHANGE ON EVERY ISSUES IN EVERY 30 SECOND.
====================================================

MCCAIN 08!
HILLARY 12!

It is so scary to me that most of the people here see this only as a Republican problem. People wake up, if we ALL dont start working together nothing will never get solved. I totally agree that the Reb's havent done much but when the Democrats are in charge nothing happens then either. Man you are all so one sided nothing is ever going to change you are all just me,me,me,me.

Why don't they hold it all of the weeks.

I'm always glad to see theRepublicansin session in Washington.
That means that they're not back home doing even more damage to their constituents.

Meanwhile, the do nothing Congress with THE WORST APPROVAL RATING IN HISTORY is on vacation.

America needs a Republican Majority in Congress!

Neo-morons like Mike in MN and Greg Pottstown PA need to understand that the reason we vote for leadership like that in the Democratic Party is because of the dismal failure of the Republican Party. The last 7 years provide anybody that is sentient ample examples of the abject failure of single-party [R] rule. To blame the [D]s, who for only 1.5 years have had a slim majority in a Congress filibustered and vetoed by [R]s, for the woes brought on by 6 previous years of a failed [R] adminstration and Congress is a pathetic example of pre-adolescent shirking of responsibility. Someone needs to take Mike and his [R]ightwing buddies out to the woodshed for a little dose of reality.

Is America so stupid that they don't understand that off shore drilling will not lower the price of gas at all. Period!

Whiny, bitter, angry republicans. What else is nwe?

This isn't news. YAWN!!!!

Nothing like a bunch of old farts in suits protesting about rights! Maybe they should just throw themselves on the floor and kick and scream. I'm sure someone will come in eventually and change their depends!

Tom Price has vacation property in Sea Island Georgia, I suggest we start oil exploring there.

Please tell me the American public won't be stupid enough to fall for this republican stunt?

You (republicans) had the past 8 years to do something and sat on your butts just raking in the dough, helping out your oil buddies and Haliburton. The Democrats are not to blame for your misuse of office.

Obama why you soooooooooooooo DUMB.?

RealityKing,
Did you know that the repugs in the House have used the filibuster more times in this session of Congress that any congress in history? The "do nothing congress" could get something done if we got rid of the repugs.
And when you say "suffering", do you mean like "I can't afford to drive to my vacation spot" kind of suffering or the kind of suffering Bush inflicted on New Orleans after Katrina?

19 Republicans and 0 democrats stayed behind to work on an energy policy after Pelosi and fellow democrats hurried through the adjournment procedings so that they could go on vacation.

The democRATs obviously don't care that Americans are sufferring, but Republicans do !!

Oh, and don't forget that 18 cent /gallon gasoline TAX that the democRATs want to ADD to our current problems.

Drill here, Drill now. And create American jobs and security !!

And the lemmings fall in line. This is a great distraction from the real culprit- speculative trading. How creative.

It amazes me how unthinking the McCain supporters are. In particular the military families. John McCain has done all he can to make sure it costs no more to support the vets, no matter what their needs. It is also interesting how some claim that you can only understand and really support the military if you were in the service, why do they think so highly of Regean? If McCain wins the military vets will get less and less and they will get what they deserve if they vote that way. More wars, less support , more breaks for the wealthy, and more lies (like the cancelled visit to the troops in Germany – find out the truth before you make comments.).

I admire John McCains military record, but it in no way provides any qualifications to be president. He is not qualified.

3 months before election and gas prices start to come down and Republicans start to talk like Democrats. How convenient .

Let's see the photos og the big gas guzzling behemoths thse repuke slobs drive to the Capitol building evry day. Now that would be an interesting story. All else is much ado about nothing since all the Repukes are going to lose their jobs in November. Who cares what they want. They're a bunch of idiots.

What a Joke

Like they really care about the American people

What a Joke

Happy B-Day BO!!!
Next one will be at the White House!

GET OUT AND VOTE FOLKS NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE!!!

This quote says it best:

"On the one hand we have Obama offering a $1000 citizen energy rebate, a windfall profits tax on rich oil companies, 5 million green jobs and independence from Middle East oil dependency in 10 years, and looking out for our injured troops. On the other hand, we have McCain offering tire gauges, peeks at Britney and Paris, and a cameo by John's old buddy, Moses and the repubs holding fighting hard for their oil buddies. This is going to be a very difficult decision"

OBAMA 08'

cow-towing? Is this a new spelling of the word" kow-towing >"

Let's see, oilmen Bush and Cheney with Republicans in Congress did everything they could to increase oil industry profits, and now they pretend to care how high gas prices impact the public.

It's business as usual for Republicans. Help business to fleece the public and loot the U.S. Treasury, then use deceit to conceal it.

Go home republicans. Get honest, and tell your family, and friends just how corrupt you have been with bush as leader of your dog, and pony show. Turn off the lights when you leave.

The American people are suffering while our 110th do nothing Congress.., is on recess.

How progressive. Can you say, "job security?"

Good! Maybe it will help to set those Democrats on the right track. It would be nice to know Obama's vote on this issue before he is installed as our great leader.

If it's not plain as day which party is closer to the needs of the people, you are blind! The Democrats somehow think they deserve a 5 week vactation? How? Just try telling your boss you're going to be gone for 5 weeks and that big project that you've been working on will just have to wait. If you were a Democrat, at least you'd know what handouts are available. I guess that's one advantage of being a Democrat.

That the Democrats left such an important issue on the table and went on there merry way and they're the "change" this country "needs"? Are you kidding me?? Wake up people!! Social programs are NOT the resposibility of the government. We are NOT a Socialist country. Please vote so that we remain a free country. Vote McCain! If you hate this country enough to vote for Obama, please leave. There are plenty of other Socialist countries that will glady take you.

No we don't need to drill more oil wells – I don't care if you're A republican or a demorcrat – drilling is not the answer – just get it through your head – in the same time we could produce and develope more renewable and clean energy then we would need with no increase in oil demand – but the poor oil industry might have to change their ways – poor, poor oil industry

They should protest an illegal war if they want to protest something worthwhile. But alas, Rupukelicans are not capable of dealing with 'legal' vs 'illegal' matters. Morals preclude them from being able to discern the difference.

As these fools sit and grandstand..The price of oil drops...By the end of the Bush Admin the price of gas will drop to between 2.75- 3.25. Even then the most ignorant group of Americans to ever be given the keys to the country will hopefully see the dupe, I'm looking at you babyboomers.. Oilmen in the top spots (Pres., vice Pres. Sec Of State, and most cabinet positions) Trumped up war to increase speculation. America you just got ripped of for the biggest profits in the history of the world. Now tell me,was there ever any gas stations in your neighborhood that couldn't get gas? Did anyone die in N Dakota because there was no fuel to give them? Did these companies lower the price as a show of their civic responsibility? Save the economics lesson for someone else. Common sense keeps me from losing my mind like the world I see. This is so obvious.

It is very plain to see that the Democrats DO NOT know how to accept the responsibility of running this country! Everyone of them want to blame Bush and the Republican party for everything negative that happens in this country, when THEY have been in control of the Congress!! Remeber this, What goes around, comes around!!
Why don't you childish finger-pointing babies, move your socialistic
Democratic partisan politics to another country. Try Zimbabwe, I am sure Mugabe will be proud to have you on his team, to hurt all of the citizens.
This recess is another prime example of the idotic, self-serving ways of the Democrats. If you want to help the ones that put you in office, then don't accept any salary, as anything over a dollar paid to you is toooo much!!! Dems make me puke! I believe that you will be surprised after Nov. elections come, But then again, it will be something thAT YOU CAN CALL FOR AN INVESTIGATION ON AND WASTE MILLIONS MORE IN MONEY THAT COULD BE USED FOR HELPING THE U.S. IMPOVERISHED. Our country is not the laughing stock of the world, The Democratic Party is!

If they were really concerned and committed, they'd do it all 5 weeks. They're the ones who are to blame for the skyrocketing oil prices and the lack of alternate energy options and the poor economy. They just have an excuse to try to pin it on the democrats.

Off shore drilling is a joke. Why don't we go drill on the Moon?

4 years ago there was a republican control congress and white house; can they tell me why it took them 4 years to get to the point of wanting to do something for the people?

MIT’s Daniel Nocera has some startling developments for storing sunlight. Big oils days are numbered.

Yes how easily the sheep for get that the Dems stopped everyone form drilling anywhere or even added any new refineries to the US -> for the last 25 years! - Remember the Envio wacko's ??? No?

Anyone wonder how we got to 70% of imported oil?? guess how we get to 80-90% - Drill? or not Drill?

Look it up sheep!

Notice: American people know where to lay the blame –>DEM'S

Also Microsoft makes oil profits love like fly spit!

Obama = RobbingHood

I love it !!!!!!!!!!! The dems go on vacation and just let the gas situation on the table untill they return and its the republican's fault. Are you for real?

They could not act in Congress over the past 71/2 years because the Presidential ban was in place and the prices did not demand it. We did not demand it. You now have a full majority of America wanting to open more lands and offshore sites to exploration.

To Judge Huck ... corporations cannot donate to campaigns. Private citizens can. Did you know that "Big Oil" employees have donated over $350,000 to Obama? Maybe both candidates are in "Big Oils" pockets eh?

Approving more domestic exploration will not put a drop of oil into the market for a couple of years but ... it will have an affect on the market immediately. Any progress to more supply will drive the price down if the demand is static.

Obama and Pelosi (DEMS congress) have left us Americans down in their opposition to Oil and Gas exploration and Drilling Immediately
as McCain has proposed which also included more Nuclear power plants, wind and solar power and Clean Coal technology.
All the Polls show Americans are in favor or McCain's plan.
Obama and Pelosi who are blocking legislation for the proposals.
If not now, When are we ever going to drill and build and build.
And although our Refineries are not running at full capacity, we also need to build more refineries. Our technology in the Oil and gas exploration and drilling and refining has immensely improved.
The most common oil contamination and spills now occur in the TRANSPORTING of Oil and GAS.

While I agree with some of the posters that the past 8 years of presidential leadership has been suboptimal, to say the least...

The notion that "Big Oil" is some monster, representing a force of evil against the common man is quite misplaced. An overwhelming percentage of the world's oil supply is owned and controlled by state-run oil companies. Do you honestly think that EOX or CVX control the price of oil/gas, and are somehow to blame for $120 oil or $4 gas? What most Americans fail to realize is that publicly held oil companies are on our side, when compared to state-run foreign oil. Targetting EOX or CVX is merely politically popular right now...but you can't "punish" Citgo with a "wind-fall tax" (whatever that is...why not tax Apple at a windfall rate for profitting from iphones? *sarcasm*).

Just my 2 cents.

The previous posts go to show why this country is in so much trouble.

Do they realize how dumb they look doing this?

Farrell, Houston, Tx

The reason nothing is going to happen, it is election year... and Democrats have already offered the republicans a deal, but all they can talk about is lets destroy our beaches and wildlife in anwr, instead of drilling where the oil companies have permission...
And they have done work together, to kill a few Bush veto's and improve the life of the American's

While the Deomcrates are blocking a vote on offshore drilling and taking a vacation from their duties, Americans continue to suffer at the gas pump.

I have never been able to understand why anyone votes for leadership like that presented by the Demoratic party.

McCain and a Republican majority in 08!!!!!

... yet democrat antics blocking a vote on any judicial nominations is anything other than 'politics as usual'?

I'm not that swayed by the move, but anything that alienates Pelosi is cool in my book.

maybe pelosi and reid and the rest of the dems will be fired for refusing to do their jobs and attend to the peoples business.

These are the people who had a 3 day work week when they were in the majority....the very same people who have obstructed and filibustered...the same people who have backed this administration's worst pollicies that have gotten us nothing but an unnecessary war, deregulation that has created the foreclosure and energy crises. The same people who completely ignore the fact that the oil companies have leases on 86 million acres of land where they have drilled and capped wells – where they KNOW oil is present. Not to mention that over 80 percent of domestically produced oil is exported because the oil companies can get a better price by shipping it overseas.

They are playing the American people for chumps – and by the look of the polls, it appears to be working. Wise up! Read between the lines! Do just a little bit of research – don't accept everyting that's fed to you! And make the people who get your vote take responsibility for their actions – or lack thereof!

Why is it when Liberals protest, it's drawing attention to a cause and when Conservitives do it, it's shameless self promoting? Sounds like a double standard to me.....

P.S. I'm a liberal.

Let's think about this energy thing some more.

We've known for years(decades) that we need to do something about our power usage.

Is it really a bad thing to have energy costing so much?

I truly believe that we(not just Americans either) have taken consumerism way to far and that it is time to step back and figure out a way out of here.

There are other options for travel than we have opted for. There are other options for electricity than we have opted for.

Some of them are actually green.

Perhaps this isn't as bad as we seem to believe.

LOL, they are trying their best to shape this election to some hot button topic since they can't use gay marriage or any of the other crap from the past.
I really hope Americans are not fooled this time by their stupid little tricks and antics. I swear there is probably a hand ful of GOP politicians that truly believe in doing good for the Country!!! Because most of them are just self serving and should be booted out the office!!

Hmmm.

So THERE'S that Whiner Nation the McCain camp was talking about.

Here's an idea: support an oil windfall profits tax and open up the petroleum reserve.

How about THAT, GOP?????????????

Clearly, Pelosi and Reid are on the wrong side of this issue, at least as far as the majority of Americans feel.

Its undeniable, the Democratic party is beholden to the whacko environmentalists. Their stranglehold will cost the Dems the White House. I guarantee the "blue dog" Democrats will run as far away from Pelosi and Reid as they can.

Who would you rather have drilling in the Arctic, the US or the Russians? If Nancy wants to "save the planet" she would insure that we drill environmentally consciously as opposed to buying our oil from countries who's environmental laws are considerably more lax.

Yes, yes yes. Drill here, go nuclear, find alternatives. Nothing should be off the table.

The discussion very well worth attention. Why should Congress get a 5 week vacation when the country needs immediate attention, one maybe two weeks but five?! Do your jobs and find a sustainable alterrnative/s – solar, methane, geothermal, wind, bio-fuels that don't diminish food supplies. The technology is already there and will not harm the planet. This is America, we put men on the moon we can find a way.
I welcome any side of the aisle opening the discourse.
Why wait 10 years for the meager results of oil drilling?

They should have been holding that protest when there leader from the white house was giving away the country one piece at a time!

Republicans are the only one's who truly care about solving America's problems. Democrates only want to be in power for themselves.

That is so funny, GW Bush and his team don't do squat for 7 and 1/2 years and now this last month is when everything was going to be taken care of!
Oh yeah and McCain(only when elected) knows exactly where BinLaden is!
You gotta love this comedy. Will it continue for 4 more years? Only the American voter knows....

This proves that the Iraq war was always about oil. Trying now to look innocent, the GOP (many of which are oil tycoons) used the past 7.5 years to figure out how to make more money. They have succeeded.

Offshore drilling has always been a point of contention- but now, the GOP realized that if the price of oil is raised, then Americans could be duped into wanting offshore drilling without realizing the ecological implications. (remember all the oil spills in CA, killing seals, sealions, and fish for miles??)
They now have what they've always wanted: MORE PROFIT.

Face it folks: offshore drilling will only make the oil companies richer, not bring relief to us. and BTW..the price of gas will only keep rising.

Pelosi and Reed should be ashamed.

Why are they so afraid to have a vote? They rather protect Obama than the people.

They are afraid that Obama has to vote on this and we can see who he really is with his vote.

This is disgusting and again democrats are putting party above the nation and country.

Democrats should stop protecting Obama and start protecting the people.

I hope this protest sends a message to Speaker Pelosi and Congress finally votes on the GOP proposals. The Republicans were very good when they were in the Majority and I hope they retake the majority come November!

If they were so serious about this then why don't the call on their mighty leader, George Bush, to call Congress back. This is Grandstanding 101 and now, of course, they've dragged Obama into this by asking him to make Pelosi bring Congress back. Hello, again, Bush is the one, the only one that has the power to bring Congress back.

GOP=Grand Oil Party.

A perfect excuse for the do-nothings to stay away from their convention. They are having a sit-in. Lame. They have months to get the job done and this is what I get for my money? I'm a taxpayer and I pay for results, not theatrics.

Given the present state of the union, pretty much anything the GOP does and says at this point will be seen as a dismal laughable failure. The criminal administration of George Bush has damaged the Republican Party a great deal.

GOP........just as long you do something, you have my approval. I don't care, a petition, a rule or whatever. Just make it happen...

The GOP is the party that cares about the issues. All the dimocRATS have done is gone on vacation. Strange because the dimocRATS have controlled the house and senate for a year and a half and have done nothing positive for the US. Proven fact!

Thank you Republican congressmen – now get on board now and endorse Obama and MAYBE we'll let you keep your seats.

apparently one thing none of you understand is that the percentage increase in gas prices significantly increased when the dems got hold of congress and blocked all initiatives.

until democrats decide to start looking at the facts and understanding world economies this country is doomed...

So.., while democrats are on recess, merrily spending their huge tax filled purses, the American people are struggling to fill their gas tanks.

And while some democrats blindly call for the release of strategic oil reserves in the face of the impending Iranian threat, we the American people are suppose to believe that more domestic oil production will do nothing to reduce our energy burden. Not today, not yesterday, not even if democrats had agreed to this very same proposal 10, 20, 30 years ago! Because according to liberal democrats, the proven economic concept of supply and demand, is wrong..

Why don't Peloski call a vote to the floor to impeach Bush. Democrats have no heart. That is why they always lose at election time. Congress approval letter is so low because Bush is still getting away with the same stuff.

We need a hero. The Democratic party is fully of pansies.

outstanding.keep it up guys.you go them on the ropes.The libs are intentionally running up prices because they all want us riding buses and driving those ridiculous european cars.This issue will win us the presidency and maybe win back the congress.All the libs are squirming over this.

Where have they been for 8 years? All of a sudden, it is an emergency? We were warned and nothing was done.

Well the other side isnt doing and hasent done much either in the last 8 years. I think they should ALL go and we should have a chabce to star over. Neither side listens to what the people are really saying. If people think it will be all better with the Dems in charge, they have another thing coming.

If they were willing to vote on the "drill our way out of the problem" proposition without trying to attach it to any meaningful solution proposed by the Democrats then they would have their chance to vote on it. As it is, they're digging their own hole.

all this yrs they were in control of the white house and senate ......they did nothing........actually made things worse

WAAAAAA!!! WAAAAAA!!! We want to drill and make more money for those who pay us the most... WAAA!!! WAAAAA

Oil drilling will not make a bit of difference in the foreseeable future. It would take at least 6 or 7 years to see anything from the wells that they want to drill so what is the problem???

I am soo sick of all this grandstanding garbage, how about you people try and protect the Constitution and the American people instead of Bush and Co and the Corporations??

"Big Oil, with its billions of dollars in record profits, wants more taxpayer lands and Republicans are happy to oblige," the deputy communications director wrote in a statement.

I thought they were talking about off-shore drilling?
Does this mean that I, as a taxpayer, own this?

Hey, Exxon!
I'm willing to sell you this offshore property to drill on! Real cheap, only 200 grand for the whole chunk!

I don't care about the gas prices, I just want us to stop importing oil!

They are too afraid to go home and face the people.
Please vote this good ole' boy network out of our government!

If the Dems know whats good for them, they will get their butts back to Washington and demand that this bill come to the floor for a vote. The only approval ratings worse than Bush's 30 is congress' 18. They can take a 5 week long vacation some other time, when they are caught up on their work and this country is not in a crisis on so many levels because of our constant "do nothing congress" no matter who is in power. Believe me, the thought of the Dems in power of the congress and white house, just makes me want to vote for McCain, so we don't have 4 more years of one party government.

Seems as though not much has changed, still blathering empty rhetoric, since the Republicans were the ones that held up the energy bill before recess. They are the one's that should be there talking to an empty chamber contending the bill will go no further until they can add 28 amendments, instead of taking the Democrats offer to allow offshore drilling and fewer amendments. That is called compromise and until Republicans realize they are no long the majority party in Congress, let them stay there and stamp their childish feet..

Of course, the compromise would have made the Grand Oil Party put the concerns of the American people first and above big business and when was the last time that happened?.

I'm a republican who is soooo ashamed of the republican party!!! What have they been doing the last 7 years? Big oil control!!! Dems will vote if there are programs to get us OFF oil!!! Wind, solar, etc. 50 year republican and I have seen the light!!! NO MORE REPUBLICANS in Washington!!!!! Go Obama! Out with old and in with the new!!!
McCain has had 30 years experience–he didn't do a thing. We need new and fresh!!! Peace is patriotic.

Gang Of Parrots

No original Ideas. They repeat what they are taught.

I am so sick of tired of the repugs treating people like we have the brains of an ant. They consistently insult us with their lies, empty rhetoric and devious schemes and admittedly there are some idiots out there, the 54 million who voted gwb back in office, but most of the country has brains and a conscience too and hopefully you won't fool us any more. Here's a clue, watch gas prices start going down as the election draws nearer. they are evil people, hopefully the majority see through it.

Typical of the GOP members of the House – all show, no substance.

I am certain many of these Republicans are spending as much time in the Capitol as possible because after the November elections ... they won't work there any longer!

now they want to work?they've had 8 years ,and have done nothing but destroy our great nation.shame on them!we'll get something done when repubs are out of office.

Great!

At least somebody cares about the average American!

Meanwhile, the democrats are out on vacation while America suffers.

Gas was $2.21 when the democrats took over Congress, what have they done besides sit back and watch the price climb??

How is this their fault? They are not protesting the outcome of a vote, the Republicans are upset that they are not even allowed the courtesy of a vote and open debate on their issues. If the Democrats want to shut them up, they should hold a vote and use their majority to defeat the measures, not use their power as the majority to silence the minority.

Many of them know they only have Sept. and Oct. left to do their dirty deeds when they get back from their break,hahahahaha.

You should have protested when Bush went to war.

You should have protested when Bush spent out.

Political grandstanding.
I'll give them points for bringing the issue up but would it not be best to have worked out some COMPROMISES in the past. Isn't that what you do in the spirit of bipartisanship?

More grandstanding. Do they really think we'll forget that they were in charge for 6 years when the economy went in the toilet, we started a war based on lies and energy prices more than doubled. The only thing they have to fall back on is 9/11, which happened on their watch because they didn't read the "Obama determined to strike in the US" memo.

It is the American people that our Congress is supposed to work for (and "score points" with). The republicans are standing up for the American public right now, and the democrats are not, no denying that.

BUNCH OF CLOWNS WHERE WERE YOU BEFORE. THE LIES THAT WERE TOLD .

OBAMA..08

Surely a group of Republican gasbags won't last long without an audience. Years ago i said Republicans must hate their grandchildren because they love trashing the environment and would not leave any "wild" places for the next two generations if at all possible. But, really, what they are about is the almighty dollar and begging for the government to rescue their donor friends when their donor friends screw up, i.e., Enron, Morgan Stanley, Citibank, Merrill Lynch, etc., etc., ad nauseum.

1) A 5-week Labor Day recess is a joke. If anyone SHOULDN'T get a day off, it's Congress. Why should I only get 1 day off?

2) Congress has had the lowest approval ratings in the last 8 years ever since Democrats took over. It's because they don't get anything done...whether you agree with the GOP or not, they at least did something.

3) Democrats will always call this a PR stunt and a hoax because they already planned their cruises, flights, and vacations and don't want to rebook. Talk about windfall profits!

My Friend McCain, funny you republicans wanna work now, after what you people and Bush have done to this country.... Think it is a little late...

Let them eat cake !

The Republicans need to really get a clue about what is going on. They are trying to do anything to win this election.

I hope I can get one of the new jobs in BO's utopia as a social engineer. Then I can tell people what to drive and what to think, wear, drink, eat, smoke, etc. By then the State run media will show Pelosi's numbers at least above 20% approval.

Don't be surprised if we find out, as time goes by, that the Republicans themselves engineered this oil crisis just to gain access to the off-shore reserves.
Why aren't the oil companies drilling on the reserves that they already have leases to?

Why aren't the oil companies investing in developing the Bakken oil reserves which – by government estimates – hold more oil than all of the Middle East???

Why isn't CNN pounding the government on this already proven oil reserve source??? Come on, Lou Dobbs! Wake up! The GOP is LYING to us while pretending to be looking out for our best interest!

Wake up America! Throw out the GOPS!!! Time for change!!!

Your 401K money is most likely invested in big oil. It is a business, not an enemy. Democrats are so far off on this subject they are looking like fools. Democrats want to siphon off our oil reserves, now that is a gimmick! We have a possible war with Iran looming people. We should get our ducks in line and get our own oil production started...now! The Democrat philosophy is wrong!

To Abby: The american must be stupid, especially the sheeple following Obama. Can't wait for debates sans the teleprompter.

At least they are trying to relieve the pressure (no pun intended). These democrat elitists want you all to be in as much misery as possible for what?? A VOTE!!!!

And what is this going to accomplish – absolutely nothing. Gee, why wait until everyone has planned vacations – why not do something while they were in session? This is not something that just came up – they all knew of the problem for months if not years.

Thank you for trying to do something about this energy problem. I wish the democrats could get past the partisianship for once and actually compromise as they are always trying to force others to do. They stink!

But it is ironic these republican baffoons did nothing when they had house majority, funny how now they are crying and whining about this...where were they the last 8 years!?

The democartic leadership supressed a vote that could lead to price relief at the pump. Unbelievable!
They put the Sirerra club ahead of the hurting common Americans.
Is this the civil, bipartisan behavior you outlined, Mrs. Pelosi?

They are trying to get something accomplished that Pelosi refused to let them have a vote on on the first place. I think it is a very good protest and shines a light on the inability for her to lead the House. She should resign, her numbers are much less than the President. She and her dem controlled House are a TOTAL failure. And for you people asking where the rebublicans were the last 7 1/2 years, me too!!! But, now that gas is MUCH more of an issue in the last years, at least they are trying to come up woth a solution. Something besides tire inflation.....

Well at least someone is saying something in Congress. After the past 2 years of nothingness out of Capital Hill, the last thing they deserve is a 5 week vacation.

Drop the politics, make some compromises, and solve a problem.

Obama pays attention to this, even though he is against it he doesn't want gridlock and would rather things get accomplished than this sort of thing. That is what a president should be like! Someone willing to compromise to help the people, stop the gridlock!

And they are only talking here about debating solutions dealing with oil. Nothing there about solar, wind, natural gas, or other alternatives. Big oil prevails.

Some of these liberals seam a little confused. The Democrats took control of Congress TWO YEARS ago don't you remember the first 100 day pledge. On top of the list for there goals was to reduce the price of gas. THAT WAS ABOUT $2.00 A GALLON AGO.

If this bunch of clowns had spent this much energy when Congress was in session to get something done, they wouldn't need to be grand standing now. Who do they think they're fooling? They had 6-1/2 years to do something about energy independence but all they did was rubberstamp President Bush's agenda. And if I recall correctly, energy independence was not on it.

Quit making fools of yourselves and GO HOME!

Great, a waste of taxpayer dollars for them to travel back to Washington and sit in the dark. Could have helped to reduce Oil demand by not traveling??? Probably would have more of a direct effect on the price of gasoline than drilling on the coast of the US...

I wonder if they would be doing this if it weren't an election year . I think NOT. They had tons of time over the last 8 years to get the energy sector of our economy running smoothly, whether it was offshore drilling or whatever, and they failed to do that. But how many people will fall for this political stunt is hard to tell. What a ploy. Maybe we should hold elections every year. That seems to be the only time Congress gets anything done.

Majority wannabees` why they didn't do that before when they controlled both houses...

To bad for them, dems are not giving Bush his "legacy" for BIG OIL.

'wonder how much Exxon is coughing up for their campaigns... LOSERS!

Pelosi adjourns and tells them to enjoy their vacation because they EARNED it. HAHAHAHA, their approval rating makes Bush look like Reagan. I think it is a good idea to force them back to work and put this thing to a vote. Where is all the dignity and bi-partisianship she promised when she took over? It is typical dem tactic to silence opposing voices. Come back to work, typical gov't employees.

I wonder if any of the blowhards actually pounded their chests. I they would have better luck bringing it to a vote if they could get their masters (i.e. big oil) to start drilling on the 68 millions acres of oil fields the oil companies already have the leases for. Why aren't they drilling now?

They are holding a protest all week when they had the opportunity to do so in the last 71/2 years and didn't. What are they really trying to do or say that we don't already know.? This for them is politics as usual. They want to score points with the American people. I hope people don't actually fall for this.

so what's the news here? GOP has been in the dark for years..... what a pack of morons

You did nothing for the last 8 years!!! They must think that the American people are stupid.

Good, because it will probably be their last protest. They should be kicked out with the idiot in the White House. Today wouldn't be soon enough.