Could Approving Keystone Really Harm Democratic Prospects in 2014? Yes

[xchrom]

http://www.thenation.com/blog/178638/could-approving-keystone-really-harm-democratic-prospects-2014-yes


Demonstrators calling for the cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline, 2011. (Reuters/Joshua Roberts)

The crowds that marched on the White House Sunday in opposition to the Keystone XL Pipeline project arrayed themselves behind a banner that read, “We did NOT vote for KXL.”

That was the most vital political message of a day that saw almost 400 Americans—the overwhelming majority of them young people—arrested as part of a dramatic protest against the oil pipeline project that has drawn outspoken opposition from environmental groups.

A lot of Washington politicians, pundits and professional strategists miss the political dynamic that goes with the pipeline debate. Polling shows that young people “get” the climate change issue, and that they see it as a high political and personal priority.

Indeed, they care about it so much that they marched on the White House to urge the Obama administration not to approve the Keystone proposal. Hundreds were willing to be arrested. They recognize, as notes Smith College student Aly Johnson-Kurts, an organizer of Sunday’s protest, that “the traditional methods of creating change are not sufficient…so we needed to escalate.”

[Scuba]

1. Of course it would. More fuel for the "they're both the same" argument.

[MisterP]

5. just another tidal wave in the bucket...

[newfie11]

2. Of course it would

If that happens I will become an independent and feel I've been betrayed by my party.

[bigdarryl]

3. And you have stupid ass Ed Shultz supporting this

He's making things worst in my opinion.

[Demo_Chris]

4. It already has. nt

[Xyzse]

6. Yes, especially since really, only those that wouldn't vote Democratic really want it any way.

Other than that, it would just depress turn out for the Democratic base.

These are individuals who are willing to go protest, which means they are an engaged electorate.

[bigwillq]

7. I expect to vote against any candidate that supports Keystone (nt)

[joeybee12]

8. Me too, and also...

Still root for Nadal to lose.

[bigwillq]

9. BWAH!

Is Fed back? or does he need to win another Major?

[joeybee12]

10. He needs another major...Rafroid's peds are wearing out...

so unless he has another "injury" break of 3 months, he might not even win the French!

[MO_Moderate]

11. Probably not

More than likely, it will have the same effect as those people who marched against Wall Street. Especially with the economy and unemployment being where they are.