Now the Media Vets Obama’s Ties to Ethanol

Now that Barack Obama has the Democratic nomination in his pocket and in several actions lately has revealed himself a skilled Chicago pol nicknamed “Fast Eddie” by David Brooks, the media is finally stepping forward to vet a candidate who has been previously off limits to any serious criticism.

In today’s NY Times, Larry Rohter examines the Obama camp’s links to corn ethanol. Due to the fact that corn ethanol generates less than two units of energy for every unit of energy used to produce it, it has come under increasing scrutiny as a viable alternative to oil. In comparison, ethanol produced from sugar cane boasts an energy ratio of 8 to 1.

Rohter reminds us:

Mr. Obama is running as a reformer who is seeking to reduce the influence of special interests. But like any other politician, he has powerful constituencies that help shape his views. And when it comes to domestic ethanol, almost all of which is made from corn, he also has advisers and prominent supporters with close ties to the industry at a time when energy policy is a point of sharp contrast between the parties and their presidential candidates.

To read the details of Obama’s ties to the ethanol industry and his questionable positions on our government’s energy policies, go here.

Footnote: In the caption beneath a photo of Obama near a cornfield in Adel, Iowa, the NY Times article suggests that Obama’s strong support of corn ethanol helped him win the Iowa caucus. Enough said?