With Senate Democrats defeating approval for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline by one vote, the issue may flow all the way over into the 2016 presidential election, with one’s position on it being at least noteworthy, if not significant.
Unfortunately for Democrats, the woman setting herself up to be their standard bearer in 2016, Hillary Clinton, either isn’t even aware of the issue, or is already demonstrating an unwillingness to take positions on issues that may matter to a large swath of voters.
As the Washington Post points out, One Democrat with no position on the Keystone XL pipeline: Hillary Clinton. How’s that for leadership? It would appear Hillary is afraid to take a stand.
For Clinton, there is no upside to taking a stance. If she came out in favor of the pipeline, she would anger environmental and climate activists, including super PAC founder Tom Steyer and many other major Democratic donors. If she opposed it, she would be at odds with the business community.
That’s causing critics to pounce. America Rising PAC wonders if it isn’t “disqualifying.”
In recent months, Clinton has twisted into knots to avoid providing an answer to the question:
BOOK: Clinton did not mention the Keystone XL pipeline in her book ironically titled Hard Choices.
VIDEO: Clinton dodges a Keystone question on October 6, 2014 at the progressive think tank Canada 2020
AUDIO: Clinton dodges a Keystone question on June 18, 2014 at the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
VIDEO: June 16, 2014 at the Toronto Region Board of Trade, a friendly questioner says she won’t talk directly about Keystone
VIDEO: Canadian TV anchor calls out Clinton for not giving a straight Keystone answer on June 16, 2014
INTERVIEW: Clinton tells the The Globe and Mail she can’t respond to Keystone question on June 15, 2014.
INTERVIEW: On March 5, 2014 at the Vancouver Board of Trade, Clinton is a “no comment” on Keystone
Just yesterday, possible Clinton primary foe Martin O’Malley came out against the pipeline.