Rep. Joe Barton's (R-TX) apology to BP was a stark reminder that the modern Republican party stands for corporate interests over those of the American people. Embracing BP and the rest of big oil, even in the aftermath of the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history, is precisely what we should expect from the GOBP. Perhaps we can be surprised by how open they have been in their disregard for ordinary Americans, but their basic position should surprise no one.



There has been plenty of speculation in the national media about whether the Democrats will be able to capitalize on this aspect of Republican policy in the mid-term elections. It seems like it might help stem the tide of incumbent losses that are expected.

Still, I do not expect Democrats to make inroads in Gulf states like Mississippi, states which have been most directly affected by BP's catastrophic oil spill. There is too great a willingness to deny reality here. Voters have generally decided to place fear-driven social conservatism over their economic self-interest. On a local level, the Republican Party has been surprisingly successful in making this about the federal government rather than their own policies.

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