During an April 2007 debate on the subject with the insufferable John Kerry [video], Newt opened by effectively ceding the point of anthropogenic global warming to his not-so-jolly green opponent. Even before Kerry could utter a single word of eco-babble, Newt admitted his thoroughly off beam conviction
“that the evidence is sufficient that we should move towards the most effective possible steps to reduce carbon loading in the atmosphere.”
Actually, outside of the Massachusetts Senator’s emphasis on regulation as a solution, there was surprisingly little discord between the two “debaters.” Declared Newt:
“I want to suggest that we need a new science- and technology-based, entrepreneurial, market-oriented and locally led environmentalism.”
A concept Gingrich would essentially reiterate a year later when he speaks in the Gore-mercial of “spark[ing] the technology we need,” not raising taxes or other big-government solutions.
To be sure, if the actions of man were ever to be proven contributory, technology would be the preferred GOP response, not taxes. But that’s an extremely big and currently unforeseeable if.
Which leads to the primary quandary created by the highly regarded conservative’s very presence in such an ad — it broadcasts an acceptance that the actions of man have an impact on climate — a theory never properly tested, much less proven. Moreover, Newt’s suggestion that climate change is addressable in any manner other than adaptive preparation for its natural inevitability undermines the rational demand for empirical-evidence-before-action while supporting the alarmists’ “debate is over” lie. How could the savvy political historian fail to foresee the tactical advantages his attendance would hand the loony Left?
And yet, his timing was actually worse than his reasoning.
Why Now, When the Alarm Bell Grows Faint?
Good point. I missed that debate, darn it. But yeah, even IF he’s not a FATM leftie enviro wacko, he knows the duh-uh liberal DemocRat supporters will assume as much and will take it as an ‘endorsement’ of their liberal stupidity.
Thanks for that perspective.