"We're going to take control of our energy security. We're going to have machines made in the United States running on energy produced in the United States."
"Does that sound familiar? It even sounds like a Republican Party slogan."
"But now, it's our slogan."
"As long as you can get the factories open, as long as you can make the workers feel like they're contributing to the nation's strength, they won't care if you're mining coal or making batteries."
"In a worker's logic, any energy that gets them a paycheck is good energy."
Ron Smith was stunned.
He blinked, as if trying to process this completely new line of reasoning.
Energy sovereignty.
The phrase sounded both tough and full of pride.
It sidestepped the minefield of environmentalism, striking a direct chord with the voters' simple, heartfelt patriotism.
"But…" Smith hesitated. "There are also guns. You know, in Erie, if I don't support the Second Amendment, I won't even be able to walk out my front door."
