Speaking on CNN last week, former GOP presidential candidate and current McCain economic adviser Steve Forbes belittled the likelihood of McCain’s plan to combat climate change actually coming to fruition.When asked about the economic impact of McCain’s proposed cap and trade, Forbes almost scoffed at the idea of such a policy ever actually being taken up. Forbes said:

“I think cap and trade is going to go the way of some other things. As you may remember, when he came into office, Bill Clinton had a proposal of tax carbons and stuff like that. I don’t think those things are going to get very far as people start to examine the details of them.”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/aibPg9XHeYY&hl=en&fs=1]

Throughout the Republican primaries John McCain continually pointed to his support for a carbon cap and trading program and the legislation he co-sponsored with Joe Lieberman as one of the critical differences between himself and the other Republicans – as well as between himself and President Bush.

So, is McCain saying one thing on the stump and then planning something completely different with his economic advisors? The McCain camp has issued no statement on the Forbes remarks – but I’m sure they’ve seen the video.

If Mr. Forbes was speaking out of turn then why doesn’t the McCain camp distance themselves from Forbes by reiterating their support of cap and trade? Without any such action, one can only assume that Forbes’ remarks were not too wide of the mark in terms of Mcain’s priorities.

Wonk Room