But Bill Schneider is right to ask how important global warming is, as a political issue in the elections.  No doubt he noticed that most of the candidates who were invited did not show up; he might have called them to ask why not.

It would be helpful if global warming were a burning issue for Democrats (not that it is in principle a Democratic issue, but it happens to be true that more Democratic voters and politicians take it seriously than Republicans), in the way that immigration is for
Republicans.  As things are now, many fewer Democrats than Republicans and Independents are worried about illegal immigration; but one of their most cherished constituencies, Latino voters, is offended by the Republican nativists.  So the pundits are saying that this puts Democratic candidates in a tough position.

If global warming were to become an issue like that, then Bill Schneider might not be wondering why he had to cover that uninteresting assignment.

Chickens deserve our true friendship! So do fish! So do other sentient beings! Let us learn to be kind.

I fully agree with your assessment.  Many media professionals decide how they will cover an event before they even attend it.  They only know how to cover the campaign like a sporting event, with play by play, color commentary, etc.

Still, when you write of Clinton's "gravitas" and of Edwards being "slight on details" you are still giving the color commentary.  There is a truth behind all of these positions; some will factually work better than others, some will be harder to implement than others.  Most of the time, we do not learn that from media coverage.  

Wes Rolley CoChair - EcoAction Committee Green Party US

Clearly, in response to Kyoto, the public was simply not buying it.

I think AB 32 put climate change on the map.  If California was willing to regulate, then what the hell is this?

Still, in January 2007, I saw a poll showing only Dems in Congress believed.  Some startling figure, like 95% of Repubs on the Hill thought climate change was a Dem gimmick.

That may be changing.  Many hearings on the Hill by various and sundry, each trying to find a headline, the Nobel prize, the scary IPCC reports, droughts, fires, etc.

Now, there are Repubs from Blue and Purple states worried about 08.  War, torture, eavesdropping, tottering economy and general lawlessness and hypocrisy have stained the Repub brand.  Some Repubs facing scary reelection campaigns will be tempted to find a moderate to progressive robe to throw over their shoulders.

In this vein, Collins and Coleman are orig co-sponsors of Lieberman-Warner.

I hope there is a Dem landslide in 08 and all the Repubs looking for lifeboats go down.  Still, I welcome all Repubs to the climate change action lobby.  The progressive position is vastly strengthened, longterm, with Repubs on board.

Otherwise, progressive climate legislation will always be vulnerable to demogogic attacks that climate change is a fad theory, and a Dem bogeyman.

Sensible responses to important issues are often stalled for decades.  See the constitutional amendment needed to get an income tax, woman's sufferage, civil rights, health care.  Nonsense gets in the way.

Bring some Repubs on board, then focus upon the nuts and bolts needed, and expect to have to keep adjusting the program and making new arguments for many years to come.  This is the big one, for our generation.

(Also, I don't know how to tie one.)

grist.org

(1) Why would anyone intentionally place a noose around their neck?

(2) On those rare occasions when I must wear a tie, I quickly overheat and sweat profusely. This would not be good under instense lighting. How much energy is wasted cooling offices so fools wearing ties will be comfortable?

(3) How much energy is wasted and chemicals released just so folks can wear a dyed piece of fabric around their neck? ARE YOU OUT THERE, UMBRA?! PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS.

(4) Can't fashion designers creat a decent looking shirt for men that does not demand a tie? And would be more comfortable than the traditional shirt and tie?

(5) Part of the corporate uniform. Stick it to the man, Dave, by showing you don't need a tie to succeed! We need a world run by people with good ideas -- a class you clearly belong to -- not so-called good fashion sense.

To fight global warming, we should all seriously consider whether our chosen wardrobe is really good for the planet. I'm not saying we should all run around naked during the summer -- yikes! -- but it might be worth putting some effort into environmentally friendly corporate attire.