Why bother? Presidents don't control gas prices

Obama and Romney, Oil and Science 

By ANDREW C. REVKIN, NYT

The second debate between President Obama and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was perhaps most notable for its macho choreography -- with the two men circling, jabbing and interrupting -- and the intense Benghazi moment.

The need for reinvestment in science and basic research made an appearance, albeit fleetingly, in the context of the exodus of jobs to China. I'll get to that in a second, but first, a reality check on another big focal point -- fights over policies related to high gasoline and oil prices.

It's not surprising that the first substantive energy exchange between the two candidates dealt with gas prices, given -- as a national poll by the University of Texas just found -- that this is by far the most pressing energy issue on voters' minds (to the consternation of climate hawks).

Here's a relevant snapshot from the university's survey, posted by Sheril Kirshenbaum, director of the polling project:

@Revkin Don't forget about what Americans want to hear specifically about energy - the topic a president can't manage http://t.co/r4zQvdVr - Sheril Kirshenbaum (@Sheril_) 17 Oct 12

(More here.)