In Hock To Big Corn

The NYTimes today offers a non-fawning look at Senator Obama's ties to and support of the Ethanol industry. In a by-lined piece, Larry Richter sees a hint of pandering behind his surprise ascent in Iowa last year.

Mr. Obama is running as a reformer who is seeking to reduce the influence of special interests. But like any other politician, he has powerful constituencies that help shape his views. And when it comes to domestic ethanol, almost all of which is made from corn, he also has advisers and prominent supporters with close ties to the industry at a time when energy policy is a point of sharp contrast between the parties and their presidential candidates.

In the heart of the Corn Belt that August day, Mr. Obama argued that embracing ethanol “ultimately helps our national security, because right now we’re sending billions of dollars to some of the most hostile nations on earth.” America’s oil dependence, he added, “makes it more difficult for us to shape a foreign policy that is intelligent and is creating security for the long term.”

With all respect, Senator, ethanol subsidies make it more difficult for us to shape a domestic policy that is intelligent and creates energy for the long term.

Dem2008 Primary Posted by jk at June 23, 2008 10:16 AM