The third way: In my first-person observations of the political climate of small-town America, as well as my interactions with urban and suburban America, I've noticed that the idea of 'Peak Oil' has started to gain traction. What's interesting is that it's not restricted to politican partisans of either stripe : some liberals have grabbed onto the idea out of their instinctive dislike of large corporations, while some conservatives have embraced the idea because it hints at greater localism. Why, just today I was talking with a Republican Congressional candidate - read all about it in Wednesday's Courier - who echoed many of the popular 'end of oil' sentiments.
I mean, if you need any greater example, look at the comments in the economic post, where Boudicca, Pascal's Bookie, and I are in complete agreement. How often does that happen?
My sense is that this could be the new "swing issue" that realigns the parties and gives either one a sustainable majority. Whichever party can craft a plan for post-petroleum future or coopt those who have will win big. So, who's it going to be?