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Even if some good comes out of BP's oil flood, it still looks like a lose-lose situation for everyone involved. Not only has the spill caused a substantial loss of marshland for the gulf and the livelihoods of residents, it will have lasting effects far into the future. The unlikely result? Both Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) and President Obama may still emerge as political winners.
Jindal may already have won as much as he can, politically. The perception had been that Jindal cared more for a national office than the governor's mansion, but the perception has changed. His handling of this crisis has made him look competent, concerned and in charge. But since Louisiana must rely on the feds, Jindal is in a dilemma he can't control. Things are up to the president now. Jindal may claim he energized Washington, but winning big in his state may make Jindal less attractive nationally.
To be a "winner," Obama must accomplish, then publicize, the following:
(1) Emphasize the flood and the plug -- that he fixed what BP's greed and big oil's conceit broke.
(2) Change the regulatory culture, and not just at the Minerals Management Service. Make regulation effective at all agencies.
(3) Take charge, make BP pay -- and make sure the public knows both.
(4) Aggressively push for the progressive energy policy he campaigned on -- no more spill, baby, spill or mine, baby, mine.
(5) Dam the flood and clean up the marsh. Prioritize the wetlands and the coast, promising restoration and restitution for both. Even more, turn "Obama's Katrina" into a success story, by finally recompensing New Orleans and the region. Show how the federal government should work.
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