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E&E Daily's (subs req.) top story today looks at tensions on the Hill as Democrats try and move both climate and health care legislation to the finish line, weaving the bills through the same House and Senate Committees, with the same leading players, and using similar tactics against increasingly shrill GOP attacks.
Political capital is often a finite rather than renewable resource. Obama and Congressional Democrats have protested repeatedly against the idea of choosing between climate and health care ("That's a -- what is it called? -- a Hobson's choice," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid told reporters yesterday after being asked to pick between climate and health care. "I won't have to do that"), but history and common sense strongly suggest they will have to chose.
A "Hobson's Choice" is when only one option is given, and the choice is to take it or leave it. Does Obama only have one option in 2009? And which is it?
Thomas Hobson; Image from Wikipedia
If Obama refuses to give either climate or health care "top billing," he could compromise both. But if he and Congressional leaders do chose, they will be attacked on all sides and postpone - perhaps indefinitely? - a critical national priority (international as well for climate).
The political calculus for health care and climate legislation is tough, and whatever choice Obama makes could be the most important gamble of his Presidency.
As E&E's lead energy and climate journalist Darren Samuelsohn reports:
The two monster initiatives would be significant accomplishments if either one could pass, let alone both. But for now, each remains a long way from the finish line as Republicans and some Democrats push back against bills that have big price tags and questionable public support.
Obama will try to reclaim control over the story line tonight with his fourth prime time press conference since taking office in January, part of a media campaign to keep momentum going on the top pieces of his legislative agenda.
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"I think so much depends on where the administration is going to be pushing and spending their political capital," said Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee ranking member Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). "What we're seeing right now from the White House is a very aggressive push on health care. Will they split their time in September and be pushing some folks on health care and some folks on climate change? I don't think you can do that. I think you've got to pick and choose."
Rebecca Lutzy is the Content and Community Manager at The Energy Collective. She also serves as a consultant for GreenOrder, a leading sustainability and management consulting firm, and is a Ph.D. student in Princeton University's Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy program.
