From LA Times:


Barack Obama shifts on tapping national oil reserves

In a campaign speech in Michigan, the candidate suggested releasing oil from the emergency stockpile, a relief plan reminiscent of President Clinton's in 2000.

By Michael Muskal and Peter Nicholas, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers
12:07 PM PDT, August 4, 2008

LANSING, MICH. -- Democrat Barack Obama called today for tapping the nation's strategic oil reserves to help drive down gasoline prices, a shift from his previous position on the issue.

The reversal is the second refinement in Obama's energy policy. Last week, he said that he would reluctantly consider accepting some offshore oil drilling. Obama had previously said he opposed such drilling, which is strongly backed by rival John McCain, who has urged that states be allowed to decide whether to drill.

McCain has been able to score political points on energy issues in recent weeks, particularly in swing states such as Michigan.

Recent polls show that McCain has gained some traction on the energy issue. For example, the latest Quinnipiac University poll for the Wall Street Journal and washingtonpost.com shows that Obama tops McCain 46% to 42% compared with a previous lead of 48% to 42%.

Energy issues are the leading concern -- more important in most polls than the war in Iraq -- and voters say they support offshore oil drilling. Other polls show similar results in the West and Southwest, also key electoral battlegrounds.