I wished Obama had made a statement on the Senate floor during the debate of the Lieberman-Warner climate bill. But with today's statement, I now understand he probably chose not to speak - because like many here, he was conflicted on the legislation. Joe Romm over at Climate Progress has it up. I'll clip it up here with some brief comments.
First, Obama sets it in a global context:
"As this week’s debate on climate change has unfolded, the American people and those watching us around the world had every reason to hope that we would act. Every credible scientist and expert believes action is necessary. This is critical and long overdue legislation that represents a good first step in addressing one of the most serious problems facing our generation.
Then, states his mixed feelings:
Like many of my Senate colleagues, I believe the legislation could have been made even better. Had there been a substantive Senate debate about some of the concerns with this bill, I believe the outcome could have generated broad support. It certainly would have received my support.
Then he pivots and goes for McCain's throat:
Unfortunately, the Republican leadership in the Senate has chosen to block progress, rather than work in a good faith manner to address this challenge. This is a failure of our politics and a failure of leadership — a President who for years denied the problem, and a Republican nominee, John McCain, who claims leadership on the issue but opposes this bipartisan bill.
And pivots again! Why the politics matter - and he states the consequences plainly:
We can’t afford more of the same timid politics when the future of our planet is at stake. We are already breaking records with the intensity of our storms, the number of forest fires, and the periods of drought. By 2050, famine could force more than 250 million from their homes. And if we do nothing, sea levels will rise high enough to swallow large portions of every coastal city and town.
After rattling off some positives of Lieberman-Warner he ups the ante:
Let me clear, this bill is not perfect. Emissions reductions must reflect the scientific consensus, which are reductions of at least 80 percent 2050. We must ensure that more middle-class families reap more of the financial benefits created by this bill. And we must direct greater resources to the regions of the country that will bear the brunt of this critical transition to a clean energy economy.
Sounds to me like Obama is headed in the direction of Representative Markey's climate bill: "Investing in Climate Action and Protection Act," - of which dkos' own Adam Siegel did an initial run down on, here.
If so, this is another right note, in a just wonderfully terrific first four days. Makes me hopeful.