CNN

Hi Leslie energy independence is our future, we can no longer afford to drag our feet on this issue. I think Obama's 10 year shoot for the moon approach is just the type of positive "we can do it" vision this country now needs.

Leslie Sanchez's suggestion that we should continuing to rely on Middle Eastern oil to prevent other countries from being able to purchase such oil is absolutely the dumbest argument I have ever heard.

Did I hear this right. We keep using a vanishing supply of oil all the while with a source of renewable energy is available to run almost everything. It sounds like a good policy if you want to go broke. What college did this idiot graduate from.

I can't believe how many people are stupid enough to support Obama and his anti-American ideas. What in the world are you people thinking. Are you really trying to finish off this country before moving over seas or what? Obama will not release the source of all his millions because it is coming from the middle east muslim countries. Please, stop smoking that dope, wake up, use what little brain you have left, call your dad or uncle or someone with some common sense. Whatever it takes to learn what an idiot Obama is.

Leslie Sanchez,
That is one of the most singuraly unintelligent comments I have ever heard regarding energy policy.

I don't think Obama was there. It was a carbard figure with a tape recording. The biggest problem is That Obama could not have even showed up and the press would have said he won. I will be the one saying I told you so in 4 years when you all want to vote your God Obama out of office. He will cost us more jobs. We will have less money. Please people DON"T LET THE PRESS MAKE UP YOUR MIND!!!!

Personally I'm pretty tired of Ms Sanchez's Republican propagandist garbage. She should go over to Faux Noise with the other right wing idiots.

Becoming energy independant will help us not hurt us. Let the other countries drown in their oil surpluses. If we aren't buying it the value will go down. Look at what has already happened as we are cutting down on our consumption. The prices of barrels of oil have decreased significantly.

When there is no more demand by us, the countries who are in a feeding frenzy now will go back to eating dates and riding camels. No one will want their oil. It will destroy their economies. They will be in a much more talkative and cooperative mood when they aren't rolling around in our money....

Hey dummy.

If we use less oil, THEN WE'LL BUY LESS OIL!

The total global demand will still be reduced by whatever we reduce in our own demand, which will significantly lower the price of oil for all countries.

Does that mean that China and India will pay less for oil too? Yes... Do you believe that we should continue to use excessive oil and spend through the roof on maintaining rediculous demand levels JUST TO KEEP EVERYONE'S OIL PRICES HIGHER?

Are you payed by the Saudi's for this crap?

The only power the consumer has over oil companies is conservation. Otherwise they have all the cards. Obama advocates using less oil and that puts the average American in control. I don't care who buys it if I don't need it. The only thing we will have to guard against is global oil companies punishing us for not consuming. If they do we have options to punish them IF we are headed in a downward trend in consumption. Conservation = Power, plain and simple and it is the one thing the oil companies fear most in the American market.

i hate the fact that the democrats are blaming republicans and john mccain for economic crisis..... was he on the oversight committee with barney frank and chris dodd getting millions in contributions from banks and freddie and fannie and oh yeah he certainly was having an affair with a top fannie executive like good ole oversight head barney frank... give me a break..... wake up and smell the crap you are all shoveling... won't it be a nice change to possibly have an all democratic senate and president so you can bang execs from your favorite companies that you are in bed with and dump our country into a worse situation that we are in already.... i pity all of you and will laugh when your so called breath of fresh air sends all of your jobs out of america when he decides to tax big business... here in california when we kick all the illegals out we will need some of you tree hugging obama-ites to do some peace corps work picking our grapes and lettuce with your college diplomas in your back pocket all the while thanking obama for the job that you will have thanks to him..

Huh? Are you crazy Ms. Sanchez? It is not up to us to decide how other countries use energy. We can only lead by example and work out agreements! By your logic, we should use all the energy available in the world so there is none left for anyone else and competition is then a non-issue. How ridiculous!

That is such neoconservative nonsense.

to Dave in CA:
Maybe we should stop sending so much money to the federal government for it to send to predominately republican states! That would solve our local budget problems very quickly.

Look it up! Top 9 of 10 payers of taxes are democratic states, while 8 of top 10 receivers of federal monies are republican states. The top is, of course, Alaska!!!!!!!

Maybe we should stop the socialism!

So Low-retta does that mean they will have to spend a billion dollars a month to stabilize their supply?? Is there a single person on the right capable of thinking further ahead than tomorrow?? Their entire political ideology is based on fear, greed and short term populism.

To hear McCain give this schizophrenic dialogue on renewable power, conservation and the "drill baby, drill".

After decades of opposing conservation and decades of opposing alternate energy, all the while giving tax breaks to their friends in the oil industry suddenly with a looming election they have reformed.

HOGWASH!!! There is not enough lipstick in a WalMart beauty aisle to cover that pig!!

All you republican idiots who say Obama is a communist and he is this and he is that are either racist or just plain stupid. Why don't you people get a life and get educated with soem information on how Obama plans to deliver all his economic plans for your country. Stop being a bunch of ignorant bigots and try and do soemthing for the future of your children and your country. Why is the USA so full of Racist Bigots

WOW!! ARE you dumb or what? It is extremely obvious that you have no clue about energy and what Sen.Obama was talking about. Stop twisting words. Independence from fossil fuels is the key. And like your candidate McAncient you too are clueless. I am voting for Sen. Obama.

Hey Sanchez.......you just brought the Republican party down another notch! Way to go!

that has to be the most bizarre analysis i have heard tonight...and McCain made some doosies...!!

Sanchez is clearly brain-dead on this issue. Sale of oil to other nations is not going to be dictated by whether the USA buys it or not. Current fact is oil sales are are thriving on US greed for it. On the other hand, leading the world in alternative energy use will also show it how the whole world can be free of oil and clean up the planet.

I don't understand why Obama showed up tonight. He could have sent a tape because he has momorized that same speach over and over again and if you listen carefully he's rally said nothing. He is Illinois greatest Do nothing senator. It's really sad that the democratic party could come up with a better candadate. Why the Republicans have a vice president with more experience than the presidential candidate the democates are pushing down our throats. Obama does serve the people of Illinois he serves himself.

Leslie,maybe its time you took a vacation,your logic is fuzzy at best.Have some fun in the sun.

The bigot has returned to the surface! How out of touch and disrespectful to people of color and young people can one old guy possibly be? The young man's question about the housing market and the economy should have made a light go off in 'ole Johnny's head – he obviously knows what Fannie Mae and Freedi Mac are – HE ASKED THE QUESTION!!!

I guess the young African American gentleman did those on the fence a favor – do you want 'that guy' (McCain) representing you around the globe? If so, we as a nation will never, ever be safe – at home or away!!

the reason there was even a bailout by government was because republicans failed the american public. republicans always preach about how they dont want big government to be involved in the public sphere, but in the last 8 years we have only seen it get bigger. Homeland security, nsa wire taps, war on terror, 700 billion bailout anyone? the last 8 years have shown that republican policies have failed the american public if McCain is elected, we will only see our situation get worst.

THIS is some of the DUMBEST logic (which means it ISN"T logic) I have ever heard. Is she saying we need to keep burning up oil so China and India won't have as much to burn??? I have always thought Leslie Sanchez was one of the more intellectually challenged analysis on CNN and she just proven me right. this was DUMB, DUMB, DUMB, thing to say!! No wonder she believes Gov. Palin is qualified to be V.P.

Both partys are driving at the same goal., which is clean and secure energy. But the reality is we need oil to fuel our country until a better source of energy is secured.

Wow, I used to think Sanchez was bright but partisan. Now I just think she's partisan. Her argument... we need to make sure we stay reliant so we don't free up resources for others? What next, don't cure cancer because they might get their hands on the technology and use it to save Chinese?

RE: Rachel

You are an idiot. Who is flirting now with a communist country china
to finance McCains war in Irak, by borrowing bilions of dollars from them?

Obama wants to stop that.

You are just out of touch like your leader McShame.

Obama / Biden 09

I remember back during the Democratic convention and everyone was saying how well Michelle Obama did with her speech and this woman could not bring herself to say "Yes she did a great job" No! this idiot had to find something negative to say and then she said "Why did she wear that dress? Who wears a ball dress to give a speech?" I'm not surprised at all by this statement. I just want to know what is the real reason she hates the Obamas.

Just to say congratulations to you Senator Obama. Keep up the good work I predicted that you will win and in Jesus Name you sure will.

But let me just share this, that the body language from Senator McCain, needs to be address.

He is coming across to us watching at home very distasteful, personal and so grumpy which is making him age with hatred to the point that he is not able to express himself.

If being one to one with Obama can make him age, then the world's problem will just finish him. That's not what America needs nor well wishers.

Once again Obama you do us proud! we love you! GOD BLESS!

How is that you see that Obama won the debate? How is that so many have been blinded by this communist, socialist at best? How is that you believe him when he said 95% of Americans will receive a tax cut when only 50% of us pay taxes? How does that work? The Kenyan government and the Libyan government along with other anti-American countries are all in support of Obama, does that not give you cause for concern? Do you not hear Obama when he espouses socialized medicine? I am a healthcare worker and I'm concerned about what Obama is promising to do to our healthcare. We do not need healthcare reform, we need insurance reform and McCain's plan will get that started.

THis woman is clueless. I can't believe she has a column. Didn't she get the point of what he was saying.

As a Chief Executive of some of the largest potential oil reserves in the US, and frantically trying to obtain rigs and crews to exploit our reserves (land based), I was shocked at the ignorance of your statement. I speak Chinese, have extensive dealings with them, was formerly a country officer at State for India, and have and underestimated expertise in China and India energy policy. Leslie, I implore you to go back and learn the facts. A good start would be, A) China and India are only buying oil as a stop gap measure to other forms of energy generation. (Note China has the largest (25 times larger than the US) production apparatus in photo-voltaic solar energy in the world, and is building 60 new nuclear plants in the next 15 years. India recently concluded it's deal with the US to build extensive peaceful nuclear infrastructure at a scale unimaginable in the US. (I was working on that deal back in the early eighties). China is also installing the largest wind energy farms currently on the planet in Mongolia by joint venture. Why? because we have told them, we are going to stop buying Middle East oil, and let radical Islam become their problem. They understand very clearly this, as they have lost over 6000 engineering personnel to violence in Uganda to date in the last eight years. B) Basic economics and transference of capital.... is directly related to the strength of a country or company's balance sheet. Need I say more.......

The author seems to be saying what the kids in school used to say, i.e. if I don't do the bad thing somebody else will just do it! If we don't use the oil, several countries hostile to us won't be getting our money either. That's good for national security and it's good for America. Right now, because of buying foreign oil at extreme levels, we are seeing the greatest transfer of wealth that the world has ever known. Also, if America takes the lead on research, development, innovation, technology and manufacture of renewable energy, then America will reap the benefits. Computer technology did it for us in the 90's. Clean energy can do it for us in the new millennium. It could be the rock solid base that we could begin to rebuild the American economy on. Obama knows that. Clean energy could provide millions of good jobs that can't be shipped overseas, it could also save hundreds of millions in dollars spent on foreign oil, it could decrease pollution and global warming and it could make our national security much safer because we wouldn't be making the countries most hostile to the U.S. into the some of the richest countries on earth. We haven't been innovative for a while, but we're good at it and this could also provide a huge export business. The whole world is hungry for clean, unlimited renewable energy. Imagine what it could mean to poor villagers to have electricity to pump water into their fields and homes. Imagine the markets in wealthier nations. Clean energy is our opportunity to make America financially strong again.

Did anyone else notice how bad McCain looked tonight. I think his health is fading fast, he limps, shuffles when he walks, wheezes throught his false teeth, and looks like an old man ready to kneel over. This country cannot afford to have McCain win, then die and leave moose barbie as Pres. What a total disaster that would be.

Cnn u need to fire Sanchez. Is there an oil shortage in India and China. This contributor must be a republican evidenced in his ridiculous thought process.

Obama won from a substantive perspective. Obama was thorough in his responses even if he needed to exceed the time limit. He was able to counteract McCain's attempts to mislead the public regarding proposed taxation. There is absolutely no way someone ca weigh the arguments put forth and conclude that this debate favored McCain

Sanchez on Target!

Sanchez you are an Idiot!!!!!!!! WE ( America) want to REDUCE our dependence on oil. What does it matter who buys it as long as WE AMERICANS ..... NO LONGER HAVE TO FOOT THE BILL!!!!!!! Have you Heated Your House lately lady!!!!!!! Sanchez is to CNN as Palin is to the McCain campaign! DUH!!!!!

The argument that India and China will get more oil if we reduce our oil consumption is simply ridiculous and illogical. This is exactly the kind of narrow mindedness that has gotten us into this problem. When deciding the energy policy, we should look towards the future, not stick with the past.

Leslie Sanchez, You are so blinded by your own bias you fail to see how wrong you are with that mis-statement.

Becoming energy independent is good for our national security and for our economy. It means we don't have to borrow from China to pay for our gasoline and we won't have to fight wars for oil. How is that wrong?

I don't agree... by depending on foreign oil, we are making ourselves dependent on our competition and rival countries, and that's a stupid position to put ourselves in.

Sooner or later, we're going to run out of oil. Let China and India buy the oil...as long as we come up with alternative sources of energy, we won't be the ones hurting when the oil is all gone.

Obama 08!

Leslie, go back to school. The US consumes 25% of the world's oil. Remove US oil consumption = oil demand down = price down = oil suppliers weaker = US security leverage better.

The US leads renewable energy revolution = we become the leading suppliers & consumers of this technology = we create millions of new jobs = economic prosperity & strength = we sell the technology for more = China & Others buy the technology from us = we get back something from China which is hemorrhaging our economy right now.

What. I guess it's better to waste natural resources than to actually let it fall into the hands of countries who could better use it. Wasting energy, go America! Let's NOT switch to cleaner energy and become more self-reliant, all in an effort to keep it from those communists, and those dirty 3rd world countries!

I don't understand how these correspondents are hired, do they browse through the youtube comments or something?

drill oil wells and lots of them..... california's problem is that we give all of our tax dollars to illegal aliens who should not even be in our state and now we are on the verge of bankruptcy because health care spending for all medical, schools, and welfare for all who wanna cross the border..... but yes i make a very good living drilling for a large company that is worldwide..and yes we do have more than 3% of the worlds oil supply.... open anwar and you could sink a lot of these third world countries by throwing up 2 fingers and telling them to shove it along with OPEC

Leslie you are just SOOOOOO wrong on this and miss the point. It IS about using less oil and transition to other fuel sources.

How is Obama wrong or do you not understand the question?

If Sanchez is a Republican shill. Sad that her biases blind her to reason and common sense.

I am so happy about Obama's performance tonite. The only reason why Mccain is still in this games is because of the "race factor". Obama is the best choice and the people champ......We love you Obama

Dave in CA has it right. Obama is the beginning of socialism...everything is a right to him, and everything is unfair...and everyone is entitles to anything...Dave: How do you survive in California?? I want to move to that town!

It should be extremely clear now that Obama is a communist and socialist at best. He is completely about changing our nation from a capitalist country to a socialist state. He is about abolishing individual states rights. Obama's tax plan is contradictory, only 50% of American's pay taxes, so how is that 95% of us will get a tax cut? What Obama says about our oil reserves is false, we have much more than 3%, check it out, do the research! How many caught that Obama wants to impose a global tax? Listen to what he said about our responsibility to fund other countries! Heaven help us if Obama is our president.

The idea that conserving oil is bad for America by giving chinese and Indians more oil is absurd and not worthy of discussion.

There are really differences in McCain and Obama's energy policies. For example McCain will not subsidize solar or wind so what he means by support for these is not clear. He will subsidize nuclear and oil. Has the free market ever built a nuclear plant?

Obama is putting significant resources into developing a wide array of alternatives. Alternative energy creates jobs, keeps money circulating in our own economy, reduces global warming, is highly secure in that you can't knock out power from a solar panel on every roof top like you could oil flowing from the Persian gulf.

Palin thinks global warming is not caused by Humans. That is flat wrong. Who do you want deciding how to fix global warming a hockey Mom who though about it for five minutes and has a vested interest in drill for oil in her home state or teams of our best scientist who spent there lifetimes working on the issue who actually care about the common good and understand the issue.

Um, it seems like the global market is shifting away from vehicles that rely on oil. China has already developed electric cars and millions are still peddling bicycles. Definitely, by importing less oil, it will free up the supply. Although, it isn't as if the fact that we are consuming so much is limiting China in it's acquisition of oil. And like "voter" said, Obama did say that we would help China with energy independence as well. Good leaders lead. Obama is the better candidate PERIOD. No doubts whatsoever.

Or it will save us billions in terms of increasing our nations overall energy efficiency, help prevent climate change, put less harmful pollutants into the air, prevent many toxic chemicals from getting into our water supply, diversify our energy portfolio making us less susceptible to spikes in any particular energy commodity, and preserve our nations fossil fuel reserves for feature generations. Efficiency is not a bad thing. We would then be able to export fuel efficient technologies to India and China, providing American jobs, while ensuring Americas energy independence. India and China will still grow, but if America leads by example, the rest of the world will follow.

Leslie Sanchez needs to concentrate a little less on spin and a little more on good old fashioned American ingenuity. But I guess that is what happens when you hire a Republican Strategist as a Political Analyst. Isn't that right CNN?

McCain is Now saying that he didn't like the style of this debate.... Wait a minute Isn't this what McCain always wanted. Because the polls are showing that Obama did the best now he wants to pull back. This guy is a joke and I'm glad I made that switch.

Because oil is there we have to buy it and use it and not move beyond it?

That is the kind of thinking that prevented Britian from moving beyond their 19th century coal-based economy while Rockefeller et al were ramping up petroleum based energies (including the automobile) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Time to move beyond oil.

I believe what she is pointing to is the fact that our using more expensive forms of energy to reduce our oil consumption will do nothing to stop global warming, pollution, or any of the other ills you attribute to its use. The correct route would be to use the cheapest, relatively safe form of energy possible while continuing to develope cheaper and safer sources. I'm almost to the point of installing solar on my home, but not because some lib is making me. I'm sure as soon as I do you will complain that the solar panel manufacturing process creates horrendous pollution. You idiot Dems will never be happy until you die.

It amazes me that Americans buy the goods of a polished, charming, speaker such as Obama, as opposed to true experienced leader, with a positive record of change.I also find it astonding that anyone can put McCain in the same camp as Democrats who made bad choices and Republicans who allowed it. McCain is his own person and it was obvious during this debate.Our country is in critical shape and needs surgery to get better, I am voting for the man with the experience and know how to do the surgery, not the new doctor in town!I hope Americans will do the same and not be fooled by Obama's smile, cunning, and blame game. Our country's future depends on picking the best man, John McCain.

you people fail to realize how many jobs would be created by drilling offshore...... i work in the oil industry now and have for the last 15 years... on drilling rigs and can tell you that the safety of offshore drilling has less seapage than the natural amounts that come out of the sea floor el' natural..... most tree huggers and lame college students that couldn't find there way out of a wet paper bag..... wake up save 700 billion a year and drill off our coasts for oil and natural gas... there is enough to sustain us for a very long time... keep creating your alternative sources but are u all willing to stop driving your cars

Surely, CNN can find a more competent Republican commentator than Ms. Sanchez. Seriously, she's on a par with Sarah Palin in the depth of her commentary. If we use less energy, there will be more energy for Russia and China? Seriously?? What exactly is Ms. Sanchez's background???

Yes but the price of oil will be lower overall meaning there will be lower profits for russia and the middle east

I'm checking all websites, and they all show Obama as a big win for this 2nd debate. I went to Faux News, too, but the only poll they had right after the debate was about "Ayers". Go figure. When I went to vote on Faux News after the VP Debate and tried to vote for Biden, an error message kept coming up! I tried my other browser and same thing...error message. Hmmm... Rigged? GOP is good at rigging.

And THAT'S a problem?

That is the most ludicrous argument I've heard regarding our dependence on oil for energy. Our nation needs to develop alternatives to oil derived from domestic resources. You can't outsource jobs when the energy production is right here at home. And if we help the environment at the same time, it's a win-win.

If it isn't obvious by now that McCain will simply send us on a collision course for hell, then anyone who is voting for him must be just as dumb as I thought. Not dumb as in stupid but dumb as in not able to speak. It is clear that those who can not speak for themselves, simply hire someone to do it for them, which is exactly what your pathetic excuse of a candidate will do. It is sad that McCain has to smear Obama just because he doesn't have a clue of what to do about the plethora of issues that concern the average American, much less do a good job at pretending. It is also sad that when Obama becomes president, as all of you Republicans have nightmares about, he will inherit such a terrible mess. The fact is, in order to work on our deficit, we must raise taxes and cut spending at the same time. If you are smart, that is the only way we will still be able to moderately take advantage of the programs that our nation implements (which are NEEDED) while making progress with our national debt. To strictly adhere to one option, "freezing spending", is to not only disregard the fact that it is not enough but also disregards the thousands of jobs that will be lost as a result of not spending. If the average American's taxes are raised, it will simply be due to all of the idiots that voted Bush into the White House a SECOND time. What a HUGE mistake. If anyone will be allowed to complain because of higher taxes, it will be all of the Democratic chumps that let Bush steal the 2004 election. McCain McCan't. That's all.

But the fact is that we the U.S. can become energy independent, it will increase our security dramatically.

Also, it's not all about reducing our energy consumption. That's only one aspect. The main thing is alternative energy sources.

Echoing Miko K., this is about the most absurd thing I have ever read.
Not only this comentary goes against comon sense and basic market laws (remember suply and demand?) but also fails to account the possibilities of the world alternitavi energies market openned by the USA.
LOL

OBAMA = socialism in it's early stages.... have any of you demodorks or independents who post on these issues stop to think about have a total democratic government that basically "SWEETENED" the bailout bill to another 150 billion dollars...... and the fact that democrat barney frank and chris dodd who was supposed to be keeping an eye on fannie and freddie were saying there was nothing wrong with these morons who pretty much destroyed our economy along with the idea of all the poor and stupid who couldn't afford a house and read the contract for an adjustable rate mortgage.... thank you democrats for not only starting this stupid idea but also not doing anything about it for the last 6 years or so...... check the internet about mr. frank and dodd and watch them say how sound freddie and fannie's decisions were about crashing our economy..... i hope obama goes over and talks to all the leaders of countries who would love to take him hostage and show him some jail house courtesy that mccain had to endure and let him show some sacrifice for his country..

Is this a joke? Are you saying that we need to keep our consumption up in order to ensure that developing countries don't have enough oil to grow more quickly than us?

No, No, No, OIL IS NOT THE ANSWER. Neither is the no such a thing 'CLEAN COAL'. Wind, solar, hydrogen, will put more people to work. We are looking at a energy revolution. Remember history buffs, the industrial revolution and what it did to the global economy.

Is she honestly serious? That is the stupidest point about energy policy I have ever heard.

Is she implying that we should hog the energy so that other developing nations' economies don't grow too fast?

Or is she saying that cutting energy consumption won't help at all?

Either way it makes no sense. Cutting energy consumption means spending less money on energy, independent of how much the energy costs.

Just an awful, awful argument.

That might be one of the dumbest comments I've heard yet. China is one of the leading countries in finding better ways to create alternitive energy. Shouldn't we be up there to? Not only will alternitive energy help lower energy costs but it will also help with globle warming not to mention help in creating millions of jobs. As a country we cannot support the amount of energy we consume and we have to depend on outside sorces to meet our needs. If we didn't have to depend on other countries to help support our energy needs think of the money individuals could save as well as our country. Please, do you really think we are the only ones looking into alternitive energy?

Senator McCain sounds just like a snakeoil salesman, "My friends.......buy this and all your problems will disappear." He says that he won't raise anyone's taxes, but he will take away entitlements instead, like medicare and social security, things he and his rich cronies don't need. Doesn't he realize that the "Baby Boomers" will soon be the largest percent of the population? Does he think we didn't see his slight of hand?

If US relies, less on oil, the more it will have have room to make better policy and better judgement and able to spend more on our economy and innovation and military. Without strong military and weapons and readiness, we can't do much. More oil for China/India would neccessarily help China/India in long term. Our enemy knows that US's achille heel is oil.

Obama's point was not to destabilize the world. It was that by being independent of foreign energy we can not be blackmailed and controlled as we have been for so long.

This statement is a joke. Suggesting that hording oil rather than become independent of it protects us doesn't hold weight. Not having the threat of an immediate detox when foreign suppliers potentially choke us is the only way for security. Secondly, since when are India, China, and other developing countries our enemy. Let them have oil. At the rate China is burning through it they will be no better off in a decades time.

This comment is to the other article that the comments have been closed on.

It has to be some ignoramus white Republican voter to say that the "that one" comment was focused by bitter democrats. WE DID NOT CALL ANYONE THAT ONE. YOUR candidate did. He said. We did not put words in his mouth. YOUR candidate didn't even want to shake Obama's hand. After this election is over, you still have to work together. But then again, McCain is two heart beats away from breathing his last breath. Give me a break. McCain will NOT win this election. God don't like ugly or stupid... and that fits the bill for McCain and Palin.

Obama/Biden 08!

Sanchez is so bias against Obama that her view points becomes so ridiculous and silly.

Check out the pictures on this blog of binlauden and obama, put a beard on obama and they could be twins. Go McCain /Palin from a long time dem.

It's true and that is only one reason an Obama presidency would be a disaster.

Leslie I think John stole Baracks ideas of wind solar and responsible nuclear. I could not do your job everyday and support the MCCain/Failin Ticket.

This is not a black and white, yes or no topic… In order to reduce our dependence, we must develop and refine more efficient, cleaner sources of energy. If and when WE (America) achieves that goal, it can be implemented elsewhere in the world. We cannot stand by and pray that developing countries somehow see the light and spend capital that they can ill afford to produce clean energy.

On a side note, does anyone else think it's a little hypocritical for America (and other developed nations) to have spent the past 200 years burning fossil fuels and releasing CO2 emissions, and now turn around and tell developing nations to clean up their respective act? Let them be dirty… we can lead the clean energy revolution, and then let them drive our economy forward as we will have the technology that they are thirsty for… I totally stole this last paragraph from Thomas Friedmann, but the man has a point!

Leslie, Forget it. McCain did a lousy job on everything including energy.

The country that develops enough energy themselves will not rely on buying from other countries. In addition, the country that develops the technology for clean energy will make a killing selling it to other countries. This would also mean that everyone will be producing cleaner energy. Seems like a win win all around.

Leslie, I have to dis-agree with you. You have taken Senator Obama's words out of context, but however, I realize you are a Republican Strategist and you are very frustrated because you want your candidate to win and he just lost tonight's debate. Had John McCain with all his "years of experience" done something, maybe the country would not be dealing with this oil and other crisis issues right now.

so let me get this straight. All we have to do to benefit ourselves and disadvantage countries we feel are opposing interests is use all of the oil in the world? That's the silliest thing I've read.

We're so screwed. Once again we saw:
John "Shrewd" McCain AND Barack "Hollow" Obama

Can you believe how rude Mccain was in not shaking OBAMA'S HAND!
THAT SHOWED ZERO CHARACTER!!!OBAMA STUCK HIS HAND STRAIGHT OUT TO MCCAIN,AND HE REFUSED TO SHAKE IT,AND DEFFERED INSTEAD TO CINDY MCCAIN

This may be true, however, we need to end our dependence on nonrenewable energy sources. By using other forms of energy as Obama has proposed, he is focusing on a long term solution rather than just putting a band-aid on the problem. Other countries will still use foreign oil, but it is going to run out. And by the United States easing up on its use of foreign oil (which is 25% of the world's reserves), the United States will contribute much less green house gas emissions and works towards fighting the climate crisis.

Leslie Sanchez, you are desperate. "Blah, blah, blah, blah" I'm tired of all of you political surrogates who just spin and spin and spin with your shallow verbage.

I wasted the evening watching the silly "town Hall" with the hand-picked audience of so-called undecided voters. How can anyone be undecided this late in the game?

McCain looked very unsure of himself. All he could do was say that he was always right and Sen. Obama didn't know anything. However, during the evening, Sen. Obama proved he knew a heck of a lot more than either McCain or Sanchez.

Boy, what a stupid comment. Honestly, what are the requirements to be a pundit nowadays? Not that they were ever a shining example of intelligence, but this is definitely a new low.

Here's some Energy for you: How did McCain know that, that gentleman had never heard of Fannie Mae and Freadie Mac? When he looked into his eyes what did he see that made him come to that conclusion?

America is the beacon of light for the rest of the world. If we develop viable methods for renewable alternative energy sources and are willing to share that knowledge with countries like China, Russia, etc. The rest of the world will follow suit. I can't imagine anyone in the world that wouldn't want the Earth to remain a livable place.

I have to agree with Leslie. We need to solve the energy crisis now and drill offshore! We cannot continue to provide terrorist organizations with billions of dollars for the resources we have here at home. Not all Americans can afford hybrid or hydro electric vehicles. Check the average price of a hybrid vehicle today. We need to bridge the gap so that Americans aren't paying high cost for oil while we research alternative fuels.

oh come on sanchez...I know cnn has to pay its bills and some of you have to incite debate to keep viewer interest up...but your statement is just absurd.

They keep saying we as a country are the best workers and innovators in the world , but they never say what they will do to bring the jobs back to the US of A . Its time to take care of are own .

20 acres gives you 958,000 barrels a day of clean bio fuel (white algae), for a mere price of 30cents a gallon at the pump. No need to change your car for a hybrid and "eats up" CO2 and dosen't have SO2 emission. European countries are just a few months away from commercializing and thinking ahead for electric home use...and we are still thinking of drilling and clean coal??? At this pace we'll never get anywhere.

That One. McCain acted like an angry old man with crusty old britches.

What? Are you kidding... Ok. Buy you statment we should just use it up before anyone else? Sanchez again showing who's pay her bills. I have to say I have never seen someone tow the party line like her. Mccain has lost this election and it's been clear for a while now.

That is the most absurd thing I've heard today. Just to clarify – We should buy up as much oil as we can and burn it to keep it from China and India?

Oil prices are rising, the average American is hard hit affording gas. A new energy plan is what this country needs. Of course other countries like China and India will purchase fossil fuels. Obama's calls for more fossil fuel independence, such as offshore drilling, more wind power, solar power, and investments in clean coal technologies. Our energy needs must be met effectively as well as efficiently.

If demand decreases then price will decrease. Eventually, supply will decrease too. I think what you mean to say is that the developing world drives demand (which is true). But this trend only further incentivizes relief from that cycle for both environmental and economic reasons.

that is the stupidest thing I have ever heard

That's one of the most absurd commentator comments that I have read/heard this election season.

In case you hadn't noticed during the first debate, Ms. Sanchez, Obama spoke of developing alternative energies in this country so we could EXPORT these technologies to China, Russia, etc, so THEY would rely less on oil.

Clean out your ears and pay attention.

this is a stupid argument

That response reminds me of that of a small child,
"I don't really want or need this, but you can't have it either!"

Grow up.

That is perhaps one of the most absurd comments I've ever heard: Keep wasting money on oil so that other countries can't get it?
No, first step is to drastically reduce US consumption so that we reduce our trade imbalance and stop our dependence on oil producing countries in the Middle East. The second step is to convince other countries to stop using oil so that we can save the planet from greenhouse gases and pollution!

Come on....scare tactics can only go so far. This is right out of the republican playbook. I think Americans are sick and tired of being treated like idiots. We can't be talked into being scared of everything, and everyone.

Leslie Sanchez said: "it will merely provide more oil for China, India and other developing economies to buy."

Uh yeah. While we would have a lock on new technology and clean fuel without the strategic problems of oil production, transportation, security and environmental impact – China and others would be stuck with all of the problems until they bought the technology from us... and even then we'd still do away with all the strategic issues attached to importing our critical energy products.

Domestic production of energy will ALWAYS be more secure and beneficial than importing our fuel. This is true no matter what any other state does. I should think it's also rather obvious.

I'm a little shocked, Leslie, that you are so unaware of the logistics and security issues involved with importing oil. China importing oil just leaves it at a disadvantage.... Is your "analysis" motivated by a partisan or corporate bias? Because mine is a result of years of military service and two International Security degrees dealing with the middle east and energy strategy. I'm just not seeing how you could legitimately confuse domestic energy sourcing with ceding an advantage to China without an overt agenda.

While both the candiditates are fuzzy on Energy, Obama has a clearer understanding of the issues. Obama has also demonstrated his ability to learn signficantly more that MaCain which gives me signficantly more confidence in Barak.

I think both candiates agree that we need to reduce our independence on foreign energy. I think that McCain has a better energy plan. Obama is trying to keep up.

Okay, I think I can understand what you're saying Ms. Sanchez, but if we're trying to increase our oil consumption, won't that put us in a bigger hole in regards to the global warning crisis? If we continue to import oil from Saudi Arabia, which supports some terrorist organizations who simply hate us, won't that not only keep us dependent on foreign oil, but continue to help compromise our national security?

Shouldn't we try to downgrade our oil consumption, as to try and offset gas prices, increase our energy independence, and help to offset the crisis of global warning?

Is almost Stupid to keep on seing America as separate from the rest of the world, when almost all country are now somehow intertwine. You simply Wrong Sanchez, more issue willy nilly are going to be resolve at a global level.

am i the only one that thought mcain was an old confused man–his answers just babble

So then we should continue to be stupid like them. Certainly, by all means! Talk about, what does that have to do with the price of tea in China? Yeah, so your point would be...? I think my 9 year old would come up with that one!

Hope, not fear. GObama '08!

I so want Jesus a.k.a. Obama to lead us into the path of sunshine and happiness. Obama, you are the chosen one, our savior, please grant us mortals the glory of your infinite wisdom. Teach more of our children to sign to you and adore you because you deserver all the attention from everybody all the time, because you are THAT ONE.

LOL...what kind of backward thinking is that? HAHAHAH too funny

It provides more oil for China, and they get to pay for it. When fewer people need the oil, price comes down, the sellers make less money.
Use you head Sanchez

But we can't afford to keep buying oil, and they won't be able to soon either. If we lead the world in developing the technology to produce alternative energy sources then we can sell that to other nations.

Obama/Biden '08

I get very excited when Obama talks about his energy plan. My vision for energy independence is for the USA to become the global leader in alternative energy technology. It will revive our economy creating millions of new jobs and give the USA a viable export. Our Country could provide clean alternative energy to the World. I do not like the idea of expanding on Nuclear energy. Depleted uranium is a dangerous material if put in the wrong hands. It does not go away, ever! And we do not have the storage space to hold all the waste we have now let alone the nuclear waste of the future. Solar, wind and bio-fuels are my vision for the future of America.

Sen. Obama I must thank you for sharing your knowledge. By the way China does not need cheap oil. Neither does any country need to rely on anyone's LEFTOVERS... I wish he knew to treat the other countries well.

McCain/ Palin ( Obama just lost my vote and many others)

If we develop affordable alternate energy sources we can sell the technology to the whole world, and reduce everyone's oil consumption. Get a clue Sanchez!

But we can't afford to keep buying oil, and they will inevitably be in the same situation as us. So the key is to develop technology to produce alternative sources of energy so that we can dominate future energy markets.

From one Sanchez to the other....Oils it the energy solution of the past. McCain is the canidate of the past. We need to lead the world into the future of energy. Obama represents the future and the forsite of this country.

Oh yeah, we should use more OIL. Yep, that will keep us secure, USE more OIL, keep China from using it first....DUH, yeah that is genius...idiotic seriously dumb plan dude.

If we drink less beer, will they consume more also... That's just dumb....

Excellent point. Really good point.
Obama, is still a junior, better than Bush, but not ready.

Amercia has not overcome racism definately. That was why there was not much points leading from Democrats in spite of the fact Republican and its president's unpopularity.
However, this current economic crisis made people turn their hearts away from Republicans who are blamed for this mess.

Economy has stream. Economists cannot even solve its problem. In history, economy has ups and downs. So right now it is downturn but there will be upturn someday. So whoever becomes a president, it is not relevant.

However, like I said situation will make Obama win even if some Americans don't like it or not. Situation forces him to win.

America's energy security is also contingent upon developing alternative sources. Reducing our oil consumption will minimize the need to fund aggressive regimes for our energy. It seems good policy to me. Obama/Biden '08

You are so wrong and so bias....
Not helpful, you must be a republican.

What is Sanchez talking about? I heard almost the exact same thing from both candidates on the energy issue. Sanchez obviously has selective hearing.

are you serious??

so by that logic, if i keep my engine running in the driveway all night long, and keep my windows open in the midst of winter, i'm actually making america safer because there will be less oil for the rest of the world?

wow.

do you really believe this nonsense? or are you just desperate for something to talk about?

The fundamental economic result, yes, would be that. No different would it be if ANY of the consumer countries reduced their consumption. Thats the law of supply and demand in action. But honestly, if we cant afford the high cost of oil, what other choice do we have? We need the security benefit of not being so heavily dependent on foreign oil... the fact that the price and availability will increase for other countries just follows naturally. Also, if the supply increases, the price will decrease, we will consume more as a result. So, its self-balancing.

So drinking oil like drunken sailors is now a patriotic duty to promote our national security? Please explain!

Sanchez, you are wrong

Sorry about that, I meant Leslie, not Lisa.

Helping China find clean energy will help the whole world. It is hard to forget the pollution at the Olympics! Global warming is a world issue. We can't be separatest on this issue!

Leslie, just come out and endorse Mccain. It's pathetically obvious.

Lisa Sanchez,

Are you saying that Americans should NOT conserve energy?

Leslie Sanchez is a Republican parrot.

Does Leslie think that producing our 3% of the supply is the right answer? Perhaps we should find another oil producer like Iraq and invade them, that seems like the McCain/Bush approach.

You are wrong Sanchez

We need to procure and store all the world energy we can. Sure, we want to go green but there will always be a use for oil and China is gobbling it as fast as it can. Obama doesn't have a clue. God save us from this naive fool.

Isn't it your responsibility as a media organization to identify Leslie Sanchez as a former Bush campaign participant and a conservative contributor to CNN? She is anything but non-partisan.

no, I do not agree. Obama will get us through this energy crunch. He is logical and considers all issues thoroughly, just as I have seen most college professors do. They are smart enough to find out what needs to be known and then follow through with cool minded logic.

I think what was obvious to me and painted the whole picture was when Obama put his hand out to McCain at the end and McCain merely turned away from him with a slight sneer. Cindy shook Obama's hand. But McCain did not. He was pissed to put it lightly.

I told you that lady... CNN is Biased towards Obama....

Sen. Obama needs some basic lessons about energy and its utilization. China and India have some of the best leaders anyways, lets worry about the US of A.

That's a mighty strong comment, from someone who has no experience running an energy system!

I concur. This has got to be one of the stupidest entries by an so called reporter, Ever.

LOL what? So the answer is 'use as much oil as possible so other people can't have it?'

If other countries want to buy the oil we don't use, fine. We'll have the efficient, self-sustaining energy system, while they pollute their countries and waste money.

When John McCain says that he will freeze federal government spending with the exception of Defense and taking care of veterans, does he recall his example in the first debate of Defense’s $140 million contract for new weaponry that, to date, now stands at $400 billion and the weapon still has not been delivered? Why should that kind of fiscal management be spared the McCain’s spending freeze? As for taking care of veterans, did McCain read Time Magazine’s article on returning vets from the past six years’ of Gulf Oil Wars whose special medical needs are forcing their families into severe mental and economic distress because the Republicans have already chopped benefits to all veterans, including those who served in Viet Nam, Korea, and the European theater? My father served during the Korean War; his friend held career military service. BOTH were denied Veteran’s Benefits when they reached retirement age and had developed chronic illnesses that privatized Medicare/health care systems also will not provide provide coverage for. Unlike W. and McCain, I know that if the Republicans fool the American people once, shame on them. If the Republicans fool the American people twice, shame on the American people.

Exactly, he doesn't know what he is talking about. McCain won the debate.

McCain/Palin 08

There is more oil on the market than there is demand so, reducing our demand will bring the supply down.

If the expansion of industrial India and China worry you, stop bringing in cheap products, it's manufactured products that produce wealth and we need to get back to it. That will take a President that knows how with the right tax incentives to produce here in America.

It is absolutely our responsibility to reduce our energy consumption and care for our environment.

May I respectfully ask that Ms. Sanchez to stop TWISTING issues just to appease the Republican ticket?

Are you nuts??!! So you want us to use MORE so others can't have it? What are you, a third grader?

Not if you have an international energy policy to fight global change that is man made! Green energies is the economic solutions for better high paying jobs and the innovation of new products to sell overseas to China and India!

What? We shouldn't stop buying oil from Russia, Iran, etc. .... because it'll free up oil for other nations to buy?

Right ... let's horde that oil and fund those terrorists.

If we're energy independent, that won't matter much.

So What? Let them buy it.

in case you have not noticed sanchez, Obama said we will help china with energy independence as well.

This is probably one of the most idiotic things I've ever heard. LOL.