Few people enjoy a better understanding of global geopolitics than former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove. Last week, he and I chatted about the energy revolution the world is currently witnessing. Here are my five takeaways:
American ingenuity has changed the world.
If you think the Saudis are happy about $30 oil, then think again. Hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling are why you and I are paying $2 a gallon at the pump. These two innovations have transformed the United States into an energy superpower. In the process, they have also upended global energy markets.
American ingenuity has also revitalized our economy.
Cheaper, cleaner natural gas is stoking our country’s manufacturing sector. For the first time in decades, U.S. manufacturers are once again competitive against low-cost foreign rivals. One of the big questions for candidates in this year’s presidential race will be what their plan is to maintain this all-important momentum.
Energy independence is within our grasp.
Just a decade ago, the United States was about to run out of natural gas. Thanks to America’s energy revolution, however, we have a surplus of gas – and oil. We need to capitalize on this TODAY.
Now is the time to end our dependence on Middle Eastern oil.
OPEC only likes us when we’re paying too much for their oil. Right now is our best opportunity to end our dangerous addiction to Middle Eastern oil. The only question is whether or not one of the candidates running for the presidency is willing to take a stand.
Speaking of the presidency, let’s look back to look forward.
If you want to get a better understanding of presidential politics (and who doesn’t right now?), then pick up a copy of The Triumph of William McKinley: Why the Election of 1896 Still Matters. Karl’s latest book labels this contest as the first truly modern campaign. There’s a lot to be learned in this fascinating read.