THE QUESTION
Carbon and climate change: Why are we behind?
Q: Now that even China has put a price on carbon emissions, the U.S. is the only major economy yet to take action on global warming. Why does this issue seem to defy political leadership? Who, in your opinion, is MOST responsible for the leadership failure--President Obama and Senate leaders for not forcing a deal? Republicans unwilling to consider anything that might raise energy prices? Coal and oil state Democrats? Republican moderates who bowed to conservative pressure?
Posted by Steve Pearlstein and Raju Narisetti on August 3, 2010 10:18 AM
FROM THE PANEL
Even without legislation, Obama is leading on energy
Given fierce opposition, Obama's success in leading Congress to pass historic legislation in healthcare and financial regulation contradicts the rap that he has failed as a leader. And lets give him credit for wielding DOD, DOE and EPA to lay the foundations of a cleaner, more secure and sustainable energy future for this country.
Posted by Michael Maccoby, on August 5, 2010 11:29 AM
Time for old-fashioned horse trading on carbon
Maybe we should wait until the mid-term elections are over and the political stakes a bit lower, then get members of both parties off together away from the glare of the television lights. Let them do some old fashioned horse trading, or energy negotiating, with a commitment to move forward.
Posted by Deborah Ancona, on August 4, 2010 7:38 AM
Climate change legislation paralysis
A total lack of responsibility and courage have led our politicians into a state of paralysis.
Posted by Pablo Eisenberg, on August 3, 2010 5:50 PM
Do the right thing even if it hurts
The president could have said, "Look, folks, this is the consequence of the dangerous way we quench our thirst for energy. This has to change, and we need to start changing now." Political success is often a matter of timing, and here the president blew a chance to create significant progress on a major issue.
Posted by Yash Gupta, on August 3, 2010 10:32 AM
