In the Year 2030

Christopher Beam — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:52:00 GMT

This ad, created by Ohio congressional hopeful John Boccieri, dings his opponent for supporting domestic oil drilling. But it could just as easily be an Obama spot. Obama has criticized McCain for suggesting that off-shore drilling would ease oil prices when, in fact, relief at the pump would be many years away.

The 2030 estimate comes from an Energy Department study on offshore drilling. Here’s the full quote: Their projections “indicate that access to the Pacific, Atlantic, and eastern Gulf regions would not have a significant impact on domestic crude oil and natural gas production or prices before 2030. Leasing would begin no sooner than 2012, and production would not be expected to start before 2017.” The assessment doesn’t include the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge. McCain recently said he opposes drilling in ANWR, but would be open to hearing arguments in favor.

After McCain’s “Pump” ad blaming oil prices on Obama -- a claim that's been widely panned -- Obama needs a good comeback. Cue snarky futuristic Web ad. (Can we suggest a soundtrack?)

And while we're at it, here's another projection: In the year 2030, Obama will still be younger than McCain is now.

Trailhead : Oil

In the Year 2030