energy policy

Newsweek has released highlights of its 2008 Special Election Project, whose reporters get behind-the-scenes access to the campaigning presidential candidates on one condition: nothing gets published until after Election Day. Most of the report deals with serious campaign issues, but one of the lighter moments recorded Barack Obama talking candidly about dumb debate questions.

Uncomfortable with the format, Obama said, “I often find myself trapped by the questions and thinking to myself, 'You know, this is a stupid question, but let me ... answer it.' So when Brian Williams is asking me about what's a personal thing that you've done [that's green], I say, you know, 'Well, I planted a bunch of trees.' And he says, 'I'm talking about personal.' What I'm thinking in my head is, 'Well, the truth is, Brian, we can't solve global warming because I #!#%ing changed light bulbs in my house. It's because of something collective'.”

We hope the Obamas do change the light bulbs in their new home, but we’re delighted to see the President-elect recognize the need for collective action. What kinds of efforts to address climate change would you like to see in your school or office? Your neighborhood or community? What new energy policies would you like see on Obama’s agenda?