I am confident that about next April or May the king will allow drilling. That will immediately lower unemployment and gas prices which will stimulate the economy. The sheeple will not remember who caused the downfall of the economy and many will vote for the king, making for a close election.
You are right. Obama can turn on a dime to loosen up the energy problem and goose the economy, and the people at large have short memories. He can hold off the draconian measures designed to strangle the coal industry until after the election. The worst parts of obamacare don't kick in until after the election. He doesn't have to go to war against Israel now, he can wait till after the next election.
I hope whoever is our candidate is not assuming the status quo because obama can pull that rug out from under them at any time.