|
| Headline |
Author |
Published |
Section |
The Roe less traveled
GOP rep in Tenn. loses primary after being linked to Big Oil |
Kate Sheppard |
08 Aug 2008 |
Gristmill |
| In Tennessee, freshman Republican Rep. David Davis lost his primary last night, apparently in large part because his opponent linked him to Big Oil. Davis is the first sitting Tennessee congressman in 40 years to lose in a primary. He was beaten by Johnson City Mayor Phil Roe, who accused Davis of accepting money from industry PACs, backing offshore drilling legislation, and 'selling out' to Big Oil. Davis has yet to concede, though tallies find Roe 570 vote ... |
|
| Topics: Big Oil, elections, Muckraker, news, oil and gas drilling, politics, Tennessee, US House of Representatives (all these topics) |
|
|
Who's getting the oil money?
Obama favored by Exxon employees, but McCain has gotten more oil money overall |
Kate Sheppard |
08 Aug 2008 |
Gristmill |
| Barack Obama put out an ad earlier this week accusing rival John McCain of being 'in the pocket of Big Oil,' and the Democratic National Committee launched Exxon-McCain 2008, a website to promote the idea that the Republican candidate is in bed with the oil industry. But as Grist noted previously, Obama himself has received nearly $400,000 in donations from contributors in the oil and gas industries this election cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Polit ... |
|
| Topics: campaign contributions, elections, energy, Muckraker, news, oil, politics, presidential race 08 (all these topics) |
|
|
Johnson stands up for himself
EPA administrator says he's not pulling out |
Kate Sheppard |
07 Aug 2008 |
Gristmill |
| On a press call today, a reporter asked EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson if he plans to resign from his post, as four Democratic senators and some enviros have called on him to do. 'If you want to talk about that you're more than happy to talk to ... our press officer. But no, I'm not,' responded Johnson. Then the press call abruptly ended. |
|
| Topics: Muckraker, news, politics, Stephen Johnson, US EPA (all these topics) |
|
|
Republicans to try some Newt tactics
Gingrich says Republicans will shut down gov't if they can't get a vote on drilling |
Kate Sheppard |
07 Aug 2008 |
Gristmill |
| One might recall that Newt Gingrich resigned his seat in Congress in 1998. But he was back on the Hill yesterday to join the House GOP sit-in, and now he's threatening that the Republicans will shut down government if they don't get a separate vote on offshore drilling. Perhaps he hasn't gotten the message yet that he is no longer an elected official. 'Are [Democrats] really prepared to close the government in order to stop drilling?' Gingrich asked. 'Because I ... |
|
| Topics: energy, Muckraker, Nancy Pelosi, news, Newt Gingrich, oil, politics, shenanigans (all these topics) |
|
|
Gas impasse
Obama campaign's attempts to get gas ads at the pump foiled |
Kate Sheppard |
07 Aug 2008 |
Gristmill |
| Barack Obama's campaign wanted to bring the energy ad wars directly to the pump, but their attempts have been foiled. The campaign wanted to run an ad on the mini TV screens that appear on some gas pumps, pointing out that John McCain voted against higher fuel-economy standards and renewable energy, and that Obama is calling for a $1,000 energy rebate and measures to move toward energy independence. The campaign intended to roll out the ad at gas stations in Tam ... |
|
| Topics: advertising, Barack Obama, elections, energy, John McCain, Muckraker, news, oil, politics, presidential race 08 (all these topics) |
|
|
Gauge against the machine
McCain now agrees that inflating your tires saves gasoline |
Kate Sheppard |
06 Aug 2008 |
Gristmill |
| John McCain and his campaign have been ribbing Barack Obama for his statement last week that if Americans made sure their tires were properly inflated it could save as much oil as would be found in offshore areas. The McCain team went so far as to hand out tire gauges at the Democratic candidates's events. Obama jabbed back yesterday, and now McCain in conceding the accuracy of his rival's statement. 'And could I mention that Sen. Obama a couple of days ago said ... |
|
| Topics: advertising, elections, energy, John McCain, Muckraker, news, politics, presidential race 08, video (all these topics) |
|
|
The energy-ad arms race
Presidential candidates keep the energy ads a-comin' |
Kate Sheppard |
06 Aug 2008 |
Gristmill |
| John McCain put out this new ad yesterday, 'Broken,' in which he's portrayed as the 'original maverick' and pledges to 'battle Big Oil.' (Someone might want to pass the message along to his donors.) Barack Obama responded with this new ad yesterday, challenging the premise that McCain has been a 'maverick' on energy and other issues: ' And today McCain issued another ad repeating the celebrity allegation (this time minus Britney and Paris) and alleging tha ... |
|
| Topics: advertising, Barack Obama, elections, energy, John McCain, Muckraker, news, politics, presidential race 08, video (all these topics) |
|
|
Phone tag team
Fact-checking the McCain campaign's press call on energy policy |
Kate Sheppard |
06 Aug 2008 |
Gristmill |
| The McCain campaign held a press call yesterday on Barack Obama's energy policy, in which their spokesfolks let fly a few statements that should be categorized as something other than truthful. Senior adviser Douglas Holtz-Eakin: 'Barack Obama has said no to more domestic exploration of oil and natural gas ... He has said no to new coal-fired electrical generation plants ... He has said no to nuclear.' Actually, as reported earlier, Obama has said he'd allow so ... |
|
| Topics: elections, energy, John McCain, Muckraker, news, politics, presidential race 08, tax incentives (all these topics) |
|
|
Fermi stance
McCain to visit nuclear power plant with dismal safety record |
Kate Sheppard |
05 Aug 2008 |
Gristmill |
| After stopping at a biker rally in South Dakota this morning, John McCain is headed to Monroe, Mich., this afternoon, where he'll visit the Enrico Fermi Nuclear Generating Station. While at the power plant, he's expected to talk up his plan to build 45 new nuclear plants by 2030, and 55 more after that. During the visit, he's likely to promote the Republicans' energy strategy, which includes major support for the nuclear industry. 'I am going to lead our nation to ... |
|
| Topics: elections, John McCain, Muckraker, news, nuclear power, politics, presidential race 08, video (all these topics) |
|
|
Drill he or won't he?
Enviros unhappy with Obama's offshore-drilling shift, but pleased with his energy plan |
Kate Sheppard |
05 Aug 2008 |
Gristmill |
| Many in the environmental community are annoyed by Barack Obama's change of position on offshore drilling, even while they applaud his comprehensive energy plan. The Democratic candidate had staunchly opposed new drilling on the outer continental shelf, but then shifted his position on Friday to say he would be open to some drilling if it were necessary to reach compromise on a broader energy plan -- like the one introduced by a bipartisan 'Gang of 10' late la ... |
|
| Topics: Barack Obama, elections, energy, Muckraker, news, oil and gas drilling, politics, presidential race 08 (all these topics) |
|
|
A pox on the House
Republicans continue shenanigans in the Capitol |
Kate Sheppard |
04 Aug 2008 |
Gristmill |
| As Grist reported, Republicans miffed about Congress going on August recess without a vote on offshore drilling started a sit-in in the Capitol on Friday. The shenanigans continued until police escorted the tourists out of the chamber at 4:30 p.m., and GOP lawmakers went home for the night. 'Today is the 2008 version of the Boston Tea Party,' said Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.). Missouri's Roy Blunt says: I'm not going home until you Show Me the drilling. Pho ... |
|
| Topics: Congress, Muckraker, news, oil and gas drilling, politics, shenanigans, video (all these topics) |
|
|
Obama's new 'New Energy' plan
More drilling in exchange for comprehensive energy legislation |
Kate Sheppard |
04 Aug 2008 |
Gristmill |
| Democrat Barack Obama on Friday said he would be willing to support some offshore drilling if it were necessary to enact a comprehensive energy plan, and indicated that he could support the bipartisan energy plan put forward by the Senate's 'Gang of 10' that includes both drilling and a major investment in renewables. The shift on drilling drew a lot of heat over the weekend, as pundits accused the candidate of flip-flopping on the issue, though Obama says he st ... |
|
| Topics: Barack Obama, energy, gas prices, Muckraker, news, oil and gas drilling, politics, renewable energy (all these topics) |
|
|
In Big Oil's Pocket
Obama releases new ad blasting's McCain's ties to oil industry |
Kate Sheppard |
04 Aug 2008 |
Gristmill |
| The campaign 2008 energy ad wars continue, delving deeper into negative territory. Today, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama released a new television ad accusing GOP rival John McCain of being in the pocket of Big Oil. The ad highlights the astronomical profits that oil companies have recently reported, and the roughly $2 million in campaign funds McCain has brought in from donors with ties to the oil industry. 'After one president in the pocket o ... |
|
| Topics: energy, Muckraker, news, oil, politics, video (all these topics) |
|
|
Not so fast
Coastal governors stand in the way of offshore drilling, even if Congress approves it |
Kate Sheppard |
04 Aug 2008 |
Gristmill |
| President Bush keeps repeating his call for Congress to lift the moratorium on offshore drilling. Republican presidential candidate John McCain is consistently drilling home the same message. And on Wednesday of last week, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said that just in case the ban is lifted, his department is laying the groundwork so offshore drilling in new areas could begin in as few as three years. What drilling proponents don't say is that even if the ... |
|
| Topics: Congress, Muckraker, news, oil, oil and gas drilling, politics (all these topics) |
|
|
Color of change
Groups urge action as report finds black Americans are more likely to suffer in changing climate |
Kate Sheppard |
03 Aug 2008 |
Gristmill |
| A new report finds that African-Americans in the United States will suffer the effects of climate change more severely than white Americans. They are twice as likely to live in cities where the heat-island effect makes already-high temperatures more severe. They're also likely to be 'fuel poor.' Increases in energy demand due to greater use of air-conditioning and population growth are more likely to affect them. 'There is a fierce urgency regarding climate c ... |
|
| Topics: climate change impacts, climate equity, environmental justice, Muckraker, news, politics (all these topics) |
|
|
Oil execs' alternate reality
McCain says he trusts Big Oil over energy and economic experts |
Kate Sheppard |
01 Aug 2008 |
Gristmill |
| John McCain said today that he believes what Big Oil says about the amount of oil still available in the United States' outer continental shelf, rather than estimates offered by energy experts, economists, and the government's Energy Information Administration. A questioner in the crowd at the National Urban League conference in Orlando, Fla., asked the Republican presidential candidate about reports that offshore drilling would reap no benefit for consumers for at ... |
|
| Topics: Big Oil, energy, John McCain, Muckraker, news, oil, politics, video (all these topics) |
|
|
Waived by the bell
Congress goes on recess without passing energy legislation |
Kate Sheppard |
01 Aug 2008 |
Gristmill |
| Congress broke for August recess today without making any notable progress on energy issues -- as expected. Despite multiple attempts in both the House and Senate to pass legislation that would curb oil-market speculation, release some oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and extend tax credits for renewable energy, members of Congress will go home to their districts this weekend with nothing to tout. House Republicans decided to protest the lack of movemen ... |
|
| Topics: Congress, energy, Muckraker, news, oil and gas drilling, politics (all these topics) |
|
|
Oil support you
Campaign Money Watch looks at McCain's donations from Big Oil |
Kate Sheppard |
01 Aug 2008 |
Gristmill |
| John McCain's call for more offshore drilling has resulted in an influx of oil money to his campaign coffers, as we reported earlier this week. Yesterday, Campaign Money Watch put out a comprehensive report [PDF] on just how much much money Big Oil has been sending to the GOP candidate, and how it compares to his previous donations from oil interests. From the report: In Texas alone, June oil and gas-connected donations to McCain's Victory '08 Fund, his hy ... |
|
| Topics: Big Oil, elections, John McCain, Muckraker, news, politics, presidential race 08 (all these topics) |
|
|
A profit without honor
ExxonMobil rakes in record cash, spends only 1 percent on alternative energy |
Kate Sheppard |
31 Jul 2008 |
Gristmill |
| ExxonMobil broke its own record for the highest quarterly earnings in U.S. history, reporting $11.7 billion in profits for the second quarter. And as ABC reports, the company spent only 1 percent of its profits last year on alternative energy sources. 'They're probably spending more on the advertising than they're actually spending on the actual [alternative-energy] research,' says Bernard Picchi, an economist with Wall Street Access. (h/t: Think Progres ... |
|
| Topics: Big Oil, business, energy, Muckraker, news, oil, video (all these topics) |
|
|
The world is full of crashing oil barrels
Ads from Sierra Club and MoveOn hit McCain over energy policy |
Kate Sheppard |
31 Jul 2008 |
Gristmill |
| 'Big Oil companies have our economy and politics in a choke hold,' says a new TV ad released today by the Sierra Club Political Committee. 'They are getting billions from the government, raking in record profits, while we pay more and more for gas.' 'John McCain's answer?' the ad continues. 'Another $4 billion giveaway to Big Oil.' The ad, 'Full Nelson,' shows a family being squashed by oil barrels filled with cash. It goes on to praise Barack Obama (whom the S ... |
|
| Topics: advertising, Big Oil, elections, energy, John McCain, Muckraker, news, oil, politics, presidential race 08, video (all these topics) |
|
|
Obama: 'Save the drama'
New Obama ad responds to McCain's Britney ad |
Kate Sheppard |
31 Jul 2008 |
Gristmill |
| Barack Obama is hammering back after John McCain ran an ad comparing him to Britney Spears. In a new ad of his own, Obama accuses the Republican candidate of taking 'the low road.' 'John McCain: Same old politics, same failed policies,' says the ad, before touting Obama's plans to grant a $1,000 middle-class tax, fight Big Oil, develop alternative fuels, and 'break the grip of foreign oil.' Watch it: |
|
| Topics: advertising, Barack Obama, energy, John McCain, Muckraker, news, politics, presidential race 08, video (all these topics) |
|
|
Granite State rematch
Grist talks to New Hampshire Senate candidate Jeanne Shaheen |
Kate Sheppard |
31 Jul 2008 |
Gristmill |
| 'We can't depend just on oil,' says Democratic Senate candidate Jeanne Shaheen. 'I think people want choices. They understand that we've got to address this issue and they want some leadership to get it done.' Shaheen is taking a second shot at beating New Hampshire's first-term Sen. John Sununu, a Republican with a mediocre record on environmental issues who has been part of the push for more drilling. The League of Conservation Voters put Sununu on its 'Dirty ... |
|
| Topics: elections, interview, Muckraker, New Hampshire, news, politics, US Senate (all these topics) |
|
|
Offshore thing
McCain compares Obama to Britney and Paris in new energy ad |
Kate Sheppard |
30 Jul 2008 |
Gristmill |
| In the ongoing energy ad battle, John McCain released another television ad today on the subject. Or at least it purports to be about energy. The ad juxtaposes video of Obama at his recent speech in Berlin with photos of Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, and alleges that while he might be celebrated the world over, he's not ready to lead on energy concerns. 'He's the biggest celebrity in the world. But is he ready to lead?' the ad asks. 'With gas prices soaring, Ba ... |
|
| Topics: Barack Obama, elections, John McCain, Muckraker, news, oil and gas drilling, politics, presidential race 08, video (all these topics) |
|
|
Pump up the volume
Obama responds to McCain's 'Pump' ad with call for higher mileage standards and renewables |
Kate Sheppard |
30 Jul 2008 |
Gristmill |
| Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama released a new television ad on energy prices yesterday -- a direct response to John McCain's recent ad blaming Obama for high gas prices. 'Have you seen John McCain's TV ad?' the Obama ad asks. 'John McCain is blaming Barack Obama for gas prices. The same old politics.' 'Barack Obama thinks high gas prices deserve serious answers, and a serious plan: Crack down on oil speculators, raise mileage standards, and f ... |
|
| Topics: Barack Obama, elections, energy, John McCain, Muckraker, news, oil, politics, presidential race 08, video (all these topics) |
|
|
Uneven Stevens
Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens indicted over dodgy dealings with oil-services firm |
Kate Sheppard |
29 Jul 2008 |
Gristmill |
| Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens -- the longest-serving Republican in the Senate and a longtime thorn in the side of enviros -- was indicted today. A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., charged the 84-year-old senator with seven counts of making false statements on his financial disclosure forms between 1999 to 2006 in order to conceal gifts and in-kind services from the oil-field engineering firm VECO Corp. and its CEO, Bill Allen. The indictment charges that Allen ... |
|
| Topics: Alaska, Muckraker, news, Ted Stevens (all these topics) |
|
|
|
©2008. Grist Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. Gloom and doom with a sense of humor®.