If The President Does It, That Means It Is Not Political

David Weigel | April 25, 2006

Liberal blogger Oliver Willis compares a George W. Bush quote from 2000 with his actions today re: the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. From 2000:

The Strategic Reserve is an insurance policy meant for a sudden disruption of our energy supply or for war. Strategic Reserve should not be used as an attempt to drive down oil prices right before an election. It should not be used for short-term political gain at the cost of long-term national security.

And from today:

I've directed the Department of Energy to defer filling the reserve this summer. Our strategic reserve is sufficiently large enough to guard against any major supply disruption over the next few months. So by deferring deposits until the fall, we'll leave a little more oil on the market. Every little bit helps.

And if the poll numbers dip below 32%, the government is prepared to tap the Strategic Free Pony Reserve.