Comments on: The Green Electorate Votes Democrat and Republican

By: Dave Sattler

Dave Sattler — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:59:27 +0000

Jennifer,
I don’t know that we really disagree. Of course it matters who is elected, and both sides of the fence have very passionate stances on why it matters so much. My post was not intended to be a fluffy non-partisan post as much as a shout out for stable democracy followed by a call for unity to promote eco-policy. This research suggests that the grass really is greener…on both sides of the fence. The electorate is, as I mention above, probably at the highest level of widespread concern regarding eco-issues that it has ever been, on both sides of the aisle.

By: Dave Sattler

Dave Sattler — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:36:15 +0000

Global Patriot,
It often seems politicians are bound to a classic model of democracy – in that, whatever the electorate cares about – is what they care about. It would be an uphill battle to suggest that eco-issues have ever been as much of a widespread concern among Americans as it is now. Hopefully, this energy can catalyst action and legislation that is way past due.

By: Global Patriot

Global Patriot — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:21:27 +0000

It is interesting to note that citizens of both parties are concerned about the environment, and may even act similarly on a personal basis, but the nature of politics and lobbying rarely reflects the actions or desires of individuals.

After the oil embargo president Jimmy Carter made an effort to change course with respect to oil dependence, but no president since has raised a finger to follow through. It will be interesting to see if things change come tomorrow morning.

By: Jennifer Kaplan

Jennifer Kaplan — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:33:29 +0000

I get your point and I appreciate the glass-half-full non-partisan post, but I have to respectfully disagree. It really does matter who gets elected, because we actually have a lot to worry about beyond environmental issues, issues about which the candidates and their supporters greatly differ. But, even when you look at green issues there are a lot of differences. In the words of Leo W. Gerard, International President of the United Steel Workers, there is a “stark contrast” in how Obama and McCain view environmental issues: “The promise of Obama is a future that contains both renewable energy and the green jobs that it creates.” I would argue McCain and the current administration don’t care enough about renewable energy or the U.S. jobs they will create. That’s a big difference in my book.

By: Dave Sattler

Dave Sattler — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:30:49 +0000

Kate,
Thanks for the note. I agree – I get the impression that both candidates are, at the minimum, relatively interested in doing something on the eco-front BUT what form those eco-driven policies take on will be the real consensus challenge.
Yeah, that clip is a classic.

By: Kate

Kate — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:54:42 +0000

I really hope that whoever is elected today makes a point to encourage the growth of the green movement. I also want to say that was one of the funniest videos I have seen in a long time .

Thank you for the great post!