Out of the Mouths of Minions

“Right now, our strategy on gas prices is ‘Drive small cars and wait for the wind,’” said a Democratic aide," according to The Hill.

Democrats in Congress are starting to panic, as the realization sets in that the overwhelming majority of voters want America to drill in America, including off-shore, in shale, and in that minuscule part of Alaska that only 800 people visited last year.

And every time a Democrat like Bruce Lunsford does a photo-op at a gas station, he simply underscores the difference between the two parties on the issue.

Republicans have proposed legislation (drafted by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell) that would allow us to increase domestic drilling, but takes off the table those issues that make Democrats hyperventilate, like Alaska and nuclear energy. That is, the Republicans are reaching out, extending the bipartisan olive branch Democrats -- and the Courier-Journal -- always demand.

Given that Republicans made the overture, this opportunity to actually accomplish something is causing chaos in the Democratic caucus:

Nadeam Elshami, spokesman for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), said energy activity this week is taking place at the committee level, noting that there are four hearings planned on the issue of speculation in oil trading.

“Different members have different ideas,” Elshami said. “We’ll bring forward the best piece of legislation based on the recommendations and hearings we are having this week.”

Republicans pounced, saying Democrats were backtracking after realizing they would be unable to defeat a Republican vote on increased domestic oil drilling in new areas.

Even Democrats (probably the ones up for reelection) have begun to realize that they are on the wrong side of the issue:

Further complicating matters for Democrats is the growing number of pro-drilling Democrats who are becoming increasingly worried that voters might throw them in with their anti-drilling leadership.

One pro-drilling Democrat predicted that the backlash against Congress for gas prices could rival the outrage voters felt about the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal.

Miracle of miracles, John McCain seems to understand that he has an issue he can pound the Democrats on.