WARNING TO THE PRESIDENT - AT 3:09 P.M. ET:  Republican senators are warning President Obama about the political realities involved in any commitments he makes in Copenhagen.  From AP:

WASHINGTON — Republican lawmakers are telling President Barack Obama that he needs Congress to deliver on any commitments he makes to reduce global warming gases.

Seven GOP senators said at a news conference Thursday that any pledges Obama makes in Copenhagen will require Senate approval.

The Senate is unlikely to support an agreement that does not include China and other developing countries.

The GOP lawmakers also said they would try to block the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gases.

COMMENT:  The Republicans are essentially invoking the treaty ratification clause of the Constitution, requiring Senate approval of all treaties.  They are correct.

At the same time, the GOP must tread carefully.  Their position, if polls are correct, will have popular support because Americans are growing increasingly skeptical about the "science" of global warming.  But if they reject a Copenhagen agreement, they should quickly present their own environmental and energy programs - imaginative and budget-sensitive.  Ultimately, it's what you're for that gets the troops going.

December 17, 2009