Presumptive Nominee

Iowa just proved what I’ve been saying all along. Pay no attention to the people who repeat—like a mantra—that an outcome is inevitable.

Where did it start, really? Undoubtedly someone with money and connections (maybe Ms. Clinton herself), started the mantra that Hilary Clinton is the “presumptive nominee.” It started before Clinton announced she was running for President. The press picked up the mantra. People started to tell each other that Clinton would be the nominee. Months before a vote had been cast. People gave money to back the presumptive nominee. The press reported that the presumptive nominee has a lot of support. The press reported that the press buzz supports the notion that Clinton would be the nominee. “The Nomination is Clinton ’s to Lose” was often repeated. When people suggested that perhaps there are other strong candidates, they were attacked. “A Black Man isn’t electable. He’s not politically viable.” The Press and the Money supported it. Sometimes there was grumbling…"she’s not perfect, but she’s the best alternative of the field.”

Then, the people spoke. They got themselves together in living rooms, and kitchens and community rooms around Iowa to discuss and debate and decide who would be the nominee.

Now, Clinton is no longer the presumptive nominee. All of a sudden—over night—a Black Man is electable.

Somewhere, someone with money and connections (maybe the oilees), started the mantra that pollution trading is “the presumptive nominee.” It started before AB 32 was even signed. People started to tell each other that trading is only the “politically viable” approach to address climate change. The Governor chanted the mantra. The main stream enviros chanted the mantra. Carbon producing business chanted the mantra. The press and the money from foundations flowed to back the presumptive policy nominee. When we suggested that maybe there are alternatives to trading we were attacked. “You're too emotional.” “You don’t understand.” “Regulations and high carbon fees aren’t politically viable.” “Trading is not perfect, but it’s the best alternative of the field.”

Cap and trade isn’t inevitable. We have the power in living rooms, and kitchens, and community rooms around the state to choose our own policy nominee.

By: Angela Johnson-Meszaros
Director of Policy and General Counsel
California Environmental Rights Alliance