Before either Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump can make good on their campaign promises, they must get elected. And getting elected during a time of economic uncertainty, including high inflation, necessitates a degree of pragmatism on pocketbook issues.
Of course, one of the most important such issues is energy – its price, supply and availability. One recent poll showed that at least nine out of 10 battleground-state voters are at least somewhat concerned about inflation, and they perceive a role for oil and gas production in assisting consumers and small business.
Whether an election really impacts energy prices is hardly material since almost half of Americans believe that a presidential election has more impact on energy prices (including fuel prices) than the actual market forces at play. In reality, presidents have very little direct power to affect energy prices, no matter how restrictive or encouraging their policy choices may be.
Read more in the October 2024 edition of Oil and Gas Investor.
