WaPo/ABC poll: On Energy, Obama Finds Broad Support

[Undercurrent]

Most Americans approve of the way President Obama is handling energy issues and support efforts by him and Democrats in Congress to overhaul energy policy -- including the controversial cap-and-trade approach to limiting greenhouse gas emissions, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll.

Even as public support has slipped for Obama's health-care proposals, support for ambitious changes in energy policy has been steady. Although the issue of health care arouses more intense feelings than energy policy does, those who do feel strongly about energy and climate policy tend to tilt toward the administration's position and a broad majority of people echo Democratic lawmakers' views on the benefits of proposed changes.

Nearly six in 10 of those polled support the proposed changes to U.S. energy policy being developed by Congress and the administration. Fifty-five percent of Americans approve of the way Obama is handling the issue, compared with 30 percent who do not. A narrower majority, 52 to 43 percent, back a cap-and-trade system; that margin is unchanged since June. A cap-and-trade system would set a ceiling for the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, and it would allow firms to buy and sell emissions permits.

<snip>

Majorities of those surveyed say changes in energy policy would address global warming and not raise energy costs. Although many proponents of a cap-and-trade bill say it could spur job creation in the renewable-energy sector and foes say it would drive jobs overseas, a plurality of Americans -- more than four out of 10 -- think that the legislation would have no effect on employment in their states. Fewer than one in five say that the reform efforts would lead to job losses; more than twice as many see added jobs.

GOP criticism of the House energy and climate bill appears to have primarily influenced Republicans themselves. Among Republicans, support for cap-and-trade legislation has dipped from 45 percent to 37 percent since a poll taken in June.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/27/AR2009082703823.html

[Proud Liberal Dem]

1. Great news

Now, wait until somebody releases a new poll showing support "slipping" on Obama's job approval and/or approval of how he is handling energy issues within the upcoming week or two. I know most polls are bogus but, considering how they've been "gaming" the polls left and right regarding HCR, sadly, I don't expect that Obama will maintain a high approval rate on handling energy issues. However, I guess, for the moment, we can be happy that most people don't view addressing environmental concerns quite the same way that Glenn Beck does.

[Enrique]

2. that's why the energy industry has to forge letters opposing it

and that's why the people on their "grassroots" website were bought from a stock photo supplier.

[Turborama]

3. I find it strange that this news was largely ignored on the Environment/Energy forum

78 views in 36 hours: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=115x207216

:kick: & Reccomended

[sandnsea]

4. Sure, until hate radio targets it

And we start hearing about death panels to unplug gramma's heater.

[MarjorieG]

5. Health care was popular until industry spent money. More will be spent on Energy,

[Undercurrent]

6. Sadly I agree with all of you.

After big money, and the GOP whackos -- with the ever eager help of the msm, and the pundits -- pound this into the dirt they way they have done health care, the Presidents support will fall.

Which only means one thing. We have to fight for every sliver of progress. On this, and every thing else.

[Doctor_J]

9. Or maybe

plant some IEDs on K street.

[DrToast]

7. This is why health care is especially important

Health care for people isn't the only thing at stake. The rest of Obama's agenda will be impacted by what happens with health care.

[Doctor_J]

8. That's because the onslaught of lies and propaganda hasn't begun yet

Hartmann has been discussing how Big Coal has been gathering storm troopers in the media to begin an avalanche of propaganda on energy as soon as the health care battle is over. It's mostly the same people. And, truly, who is going to stop them? Within a couple months you'll see brain-dead Limbeciles at town hall meetings and on TV shrieking and crying about how they don't want DC telling them how much pollution is bad, and besides, they don't really believe those ivory tower scientists anyway.

[Cha]

10. Washington WhorePost saying "support for Health

Care Reform has slipped"..watch out whores, it's going to come back and won't you crying real tears.