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Let's talk about the politics of fracking.
The press has bought into (arguably created?) this narrative that if Dems say anything about regulating or banning fracking, it will kill them in places like PA.
New polling out today & past experience shows otherwise.
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The press has bought into (arguably created?) this narrative that if Dems say anything about regulating or banning fracking, it will kill them in places like PA.
New polling out today & past experience shows otherwise.
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This whole "fracking will sink Dems" narrative has been around a while, but it was crystalized this January with this piece in the NYT and a painful Daily episode that made out fracking opponents as pot-smoking hippies (kid you not, just listen) https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/27/us/politics/pennsylvania-democrats-fracking.html
The story--and most "fracking will sink Dems" coverage--is in the "Hillbilly Elegy" tradition that colored a lot of 2016 election autopsies.
And I mean colored: the genre depends on lifting up older, white, male voters as the "key demographic" Dems need to win.
And I mean colored: the genre depends on lifting up older, white, male voters as the "key demographic" Dems need to win.
I'm not saying it isn't a factor: there are certainly some white, male, union voters who have concerns about Biden and Dems stance on fracking.
But are they the crucial votes for Dems to win in places like PA?
Polling & experience suggests otherwise.
But are they the crucial votes for Dems to win in places like PA?
Polling & experience suggests otherwise.
New polling out today from GSG shows that a debate over fracking and clean energy in Pennsylvania actually *boosts* Joe Biden statewide.
Yeah, that's write: talking about fracking *helps* Democrats. https://www.climatepower2020.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2020/08/CP2020-Pennsylvania-Memo-08.26.20.pdf
Yeah, that's write: talking about fracking *helps* Democrats. https://www.climatepower2020.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2020/08/CP2020-Pennsylvania-Memo-08.26.20.pdf
The numbers are actually pretty astounding.
Voters who listen to a balanced debate over fracking end up supporting Biden by an additional 4 points. When you combine it with a discussion of climate, Biden goes up 7 points.
Trump's attacks just don't work.
Voters who listen to a balanced debate over fracking end up supporting Biden by an additional 4 points. When you combine it with a discussion of climate, Biden goes up 7 points.
Trump's attacks just don't work.
That's because voters overwhelmingly support common sense regulations on fracking and investments in clean energy.
74% of voters in PA support fracking regulations. The numbers are even higher in Philly, a key place Dems need to turn out.
74% of voters in PA support fracking regulations. The numbers are even higher in Philly, a key place Dems need to turn out.
Past experience backs this up.
In local races across Pennsylvania, anti-fracking candidates are winning. https://www.foodandwateraction.org/climate/banning-fracking-is-a-political-winner/
In local races across Pennsylvania, anti-fracking candidates are winning. https://www.foodandwateraction.org/climate/banning-fracking-is-a-political-winner/
But here's the key: Biden and the Dems have to actually talk about the issue.
As the GSG polling shows, our arguments are more convincing: people know fracking is dangerous! They want clean energy and action on climate!
We can't just let Trump frame the issue.
As the GSG polling shows, our arguments are more convincing: people know fracking is dangerous! They want clean energy and action on climate!
We can't just let Trump frame the issue.
In the meantime, instead of writing another story about "how fracking could hurt Democrats," maybe it's time for some more stories about how the GOP's full embrace of fossil fuel industry CEOs and climate denial could doom them at the ballot box. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2015/oct/05/the-republican-party-stands-alone-in-climate-denial#comment-60800586
Or better yet, let's talk more about how fracking his hurting communities, workers, and the environment.
Many thanks to all the advocates and journalists like @elizagriswold @JustinNobel @PublicHerald & more for getting those stories heard.
Onwards!
Many thanks to all the advocates and journalists like @elizagriswold @JustinNobel @PublicHerald & more for getting those stories heard.
Onwards!
